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Is Celiac Disease a Cause of Multiple Myeloma?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by destructive changes in the small intestine triggered by the consumption of food glutens. It is not known to cause the form of cancer called multiple myeloma.

  1. Celiac Disease

    • Celiac disease is hereditary, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Individuals with the disorder may first experience symptoms after stressful events such as viral infection, pregnancy, childbirth or surgery.

    Multiple Myeloma

    • Multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells in the bone marrow grow abnormally, causing destructive changes in blood and bone, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Abnormal cells from one site can travel in the blood to marrow throughout the body, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    MGUS

    • In the vast majority of cases, multiple myeloma stems from a generally harmless condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), reports the Mayo Clinic. In MGUS, the body produces a substance called M protein from abnormal plasma cells.

    Genetic Alterations

    • Individuals with multiple myeloma also typically have genetic alterations to the 13th chromosome in their plasma cells, notes the Mayo Clinic.

    Risk Factors

    • The Mayo Clinic cites risk factors for multiple myeloma that include the presence of MGUS, as well as obesity, advanced age, male gender and African American heritage.

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