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Spread of multiple myeloma

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Multiple myeloma
  5. Spread of multiple myeloma
Print

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.

Medical disclaimer

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