Spread of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is usually widespread by the time it is diagnosed. It affects multiple (more than 1) bones or multiple areas of a bone.

The most common bones where multiple myeloma occurs include:

  • spine (vertebrae)
  • ribs
  • breastbone (sternum)
  • hips
  • shoulder blade (scapula)
  • skull
  • upper arm bone (humerus)
  • upper leg bone (femur)

Doctors measure substances in the blood or urine to see if the disease is progressing, or getting worse. This includes measuring levels of:

  • hemoglobin
  • calcium
  • monoclonal protein (M-protein)
  • creatinine
  • beta-2-microglobulin

Expert review and references

  • Dispenzieri A, Lacy MQ, Kumar S . Multiple myeloma. Greer JP, Arber DA, Glader B, List AF, Means RT Jr, Paraskevas F, Rodgers GM, Foerster J, (eds.). Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology. 13th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014: 98: 2046-2097.
  • Myeloma Canada. Multiple Myeloma Patient Handbook. Third ed. Kirkland, QC: Myeloma Canada; 2014.