What is multiple myeloma?

According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple myeloma is a cancer that develops in plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that help the body fight infections by producing antibodies to detect and attack germs.

According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple myeloma makes cancer cells aggregate in bone marrow, blocking out healthy blood cells. People who have multiple myeloma but do not experience signs or symptoms may not require treatment. There is a wide range of symptoms of multiple myeloma, including bone pain, nausea, weight loss, appetite loss, constipation, confusion, fatigue and frequent infections. The cause of multiple myeloma is uncertain.