What is myeloma cancer?

Myeloma is a cancer that forms in the plasma cells, according to Cancer Research UK. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow. It is also called multiple myeloma, due to the fact that it can grow anywhere that bone marrow is found, from hip bones to the rib cage.

Cancer Research UK states that plasma cells are essential to the immune system, as they create antibodies to assist in fighting off bad bacteria. When plasma cells develop cancer, they overgrow other cells, crowding them out like a weed crowds out other plants. They escape into the body and can cause problems elsewhere, according to WebMD.