Malignant plasmacytoma
Key points
- Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.
- Multiple Myeloma is characterized by the excessive growth and malfunction of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, since Chemotherapy and even transplant rarely lead to permanent cure.
- The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.
Alternative names
Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Multiple Myeloma; Plasmacytoma of bone
Definition
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Multiple Myeloma is characterized by the excessive growth and malfunction of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The growth of these extra plasma cells interferes with the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This causes anemia, susceptibility to infection, and increased tendencies toward bleeding.
As the cancer cells grow and expand in the bone marrow, they also cause pain and destruction of the bones. If the bones in the spine are affected, compression of the nerves may result causing numbness or paralysis.
Renal failure (Kidney failure) is a frequent complication caused by excess calcium in the blood that results from bone destruction. Multiple Myeloma mainly affects older adults. Other risk factors are unknown. This disease is rare and only 3 new cases per 100,000 people per year occur in the US.
Symptoms
- Bone or back pain
- Unexplained fractures
- Bleeding problems
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, Shortness of breath, and fatigue)
Signs and tests
- A bone marrow biopsy is performed.
- Serum protein electrophoresis is abnormal.
- Bone X-rays show fractures, hollowed out bone lesions.
- Chemistry profile shows increased serum calcium, total protein, and abnormal kidney function.
- Complete blood count (CBC) reveals low hematocrit (anemia), low red blood cell count (RBC), low platelets, and low white blood cell count (WBC).
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
- Bone lesion biopsy
- T-lymphocyte count
- Serum globulin electrophoresis
- Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
- Serum immunoelectrophoresis
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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