Plasma cells produce antibodies that identify germs and attack them, thereby helping the body in fighting infections. Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that occurs in the plasma cells. It causes cancerous cells to accumulate in the bone marrow where they force out the healthy blood cells. As a result, instead of producing beneficial antibodies, the cancerous cells produce abnormal proteins that can further lead to various health-related complications.

1. The factors that trigger multiple myeloma
The risk factors for multiple myeloma are not known. The growth of cancerous plasma cells is contributed to the production of protein in large amounts which is due to the occurrence of various symptoms associated with this disease. It also causes the protein to be deposited in organs which further interfere with the functions of other organs such as nerves, kidneys, immune system, etc.

According to various researches, the following factors might be responsible for increasing the chance of development of this disease in an individual.

• Age
  Most people suffering from this type of cancer have been diagnosed with the disease in their mid-60s. It is presumed that the risk of this disease increases with age.
• Family history
  It is one of the important risk factors for multiple myeloma. People who share a family history of multiple myeloma, especially if siblings or parents are affected, are likely to develop this disease.
• Sex
  Reports suggest that men carried the risk of getting affected by this disease more than women.
• Personal history of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
  It has been found out that at least one percent of people experiencing MGUS can develop multiple myeloma.

2. Causes of multiple myeloma
Similar to the risk factors for multiple myeloma, the causes are not known either. Doctors are aware that this type of cancer generally starts with abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow which eventually multiplies rapidly. Unlike normal cells that mature and die, cancerous cells do not follow the normal procedure. As a result, they accumulate and take over healthy cells. The growth of these abnormal cells in the bone marrow causes fatigue in a person and reduces their ability to fight infections.

The myeloma cells similar to normal cells continue their function of producing antibodies. However, these cannot be used by the body. As a result, the abnormal antibodies such as M-proteins or monoclonal proteins get deposited in the body and cause harmful effects such as damage to the kidneys and other organs.

3. The relation between MGUS and multiple myeloma
As mentioned earlier, MGUS act as one of the important risk factors for multiple myeloma. MGUS is characterized by the presence of M-proteins in the blood. Though the level of this type of protein is considerably lower and does not cause any damage to the body, they can progress towards serious forms of diseases including multiple myeloma. People with a high amount of this type of protein in their blood need to go through regular health checkups so that any form of serious disease can be detected early and proper treatment methods can be administered.

Though the risk factors and causes of multiple myeloma are not clear, the above discussion provides a good insight regarding the possible reasons for the development of this disease.