The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Multiple Myeloma

Plasma-cell cancer of the bone marrow that damages bone, kidneys and immunity.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer caused by malignant proliferation of bone-marrow plasma cells (B-cell-derived antibody-producing cells). The abnormal plasma cells produce non-functional monoclonal antibody (M-protein) and crowd out normal blood-cell production.

It causes lytic bone lesions, kidney injury, hypercalcaemia and increased infection risk. The 'CRAB' criteria (hyperCalcaemia, Renal failure, Anaemia, Bone lesions) summarise the key diagnostic features.

Outcomes have improved dramatically in recent years with proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, carfilzomib), immunomodulatory drugs (lenalidomide, pomalidomide) and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (daratumumab).

Symptoms

Lower-back or upper-back pain (bone lesions)
Fatigue and pallor (anaemia)
Frequent infections (immune deficiency)
Nausea, anorexia and excessive thirst (hypercalcaemia)
Signs of renal failure (oedema, low urine output)
Numbness or weakness in the limbs
Pathological bone fractures

Risk Factors

Older age (median age at diagnosis 65-70)
Male sex
Black ethnicity (twice the risk)
History of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Obesity
Ionising radiation or pesticide exposure
Family history of myeloma or MGUS

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Unexplained back pain combined with fatigue
  • Pathological fracture (fracture from minor trauma)
  • Anaemia or proteinuria found on routine blood tests
  • Symptoms of hypercalcaemia (excessive thirst, nausea, confusion)
  • Patients with MGUS need regular haematology surveillance

Treatment Methods

01
Intensive chemotherapy plus autologous stem-cell transplant in transplant-eligible patients
02
Bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd): standard first line
03
Daratumumab-containing combinations: in newly diagnosed and relapsed disease
04
Bisphosphonates and denosumab: to prevent bone complications
05
CAR-T cell therapy: idecabtagene vicleucel or ciltacabtagene autoleucel (later lines)
06
Radiotherapy: for painful bone lesions and pathological fractures

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Hematoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.