How myeloma is related to the bone marrow

Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are normally found in the bone marrow.

Bone marrow and blood cells

The bone marrow is a spongy material that fills the middle of some bones and produces cells called stem cells. These are immature cells that develop into the three different types of blood cells:

• red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the cells in the body
• white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection
• platelets, which help the blood to clot and so control bleeding.

Bone and bone marrow

Plasma cells 

Plasma cells are one of several types of white blood cell, all of which work together to protect the body against infection. Plasma cells produce special proteins known as antibodies or immunoglobulins. These antibodies circulate in the blood ready to attack any viruses and bacteria that may be present in the body.

If an infection occurs, more plasma cells are produced, creating more antibodies to attack whatever is causing the infection.