multiple myeloma
Sign in to savecancer of plasma cells
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Multiple myeloma is a cancer that develops in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. It matters because it can damage bones, interfere with the production of healthy blood cells, and affect kidney function, making it a serious condition that requires medical treatment.
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Article
Multiple myeloma (MM), also known as plasma cell myeloma and simply myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that normally produces antibodies. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially. As it progresses, bone pain, anemia, renal insufficiency, and infections may occur. Complications may include hypercalcemia and amyloidosis.
The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. Risk factors include obesity, radiation exposure, family history, age and certain chemicals. There is an increased risk of multiple myeloma in certain occupations, due to occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. Multiple myeloma is the result of a multi-step malignant transformation, and almost universally originates from the pre-malignant stage monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). As MGUS evolves into MM, another pre-stage of the disease is reached, known as smoldering myeloma (SMM).