What it is
It cannot usually be cured, but treatment can control it, often for many years.
Treatment includes combinations of medicines, sometimes a stem cell transplant, and care for bones and kidneys.
Common signs
- Bone pain, often in the back or ribs
- Tiredness and breathlessness
- Frequent infections
- Thirst and peeing a lot from high calcium
- Broken bones from minor injuries
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood and urine tests for abnormal proteins (paraprotein, light chains)
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Whole-body MRI, CT or PET-CT
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Paraprotein and light chain results over time
- Blood counts, calcium and kidney function
- Bone marrow and scan reports
- Haematology letters and treatment summaries
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my paraprotein level and what does it show?
- What are my treatment options?
- How can we protect my bones and kidneys?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden back pain with leg weakness or numbness, or confusion and extreme thirst: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.