Myeloma (sometimes known as multiple myeloma) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow . Bone marrow, which is found inside bones, is where blood cells are made. Myeloma happens when your bone marrow makes certain blood cells (plasma cells) that do not work properly. Learn about multiple myeloma , a cancer of plasma cells. Discover symptoms, prognosis, treatments, and how it affects bone marrow and overall health in 2024. Myeloma Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body. Myeloma cells produce an overabundance of antibodies that do not provide protection against infection. This is different than healthy plasma cells that contribute different antibodies to your immune system to fight infection. The multiplication of myeloma cells also interferes with the normal production and function of red and white blood ... Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by making proteins called antibodies. Antibodies find and attack germs. In multiple myeloma , cancerous plasma cells build up in bone marrow.