Multiple Myeloma
Also known as: myeloma, plasma cell myeloma
A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that can cause bone pain, anemia and kidney problems.
Definition
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, the bone-marrow cells that normally make antibodies. The abnormal plasma cells crowd out healthy blood cells and produce a single useless antibody (paraprotein) in large amounts. Typical features include bone pain or fractures, anemia, kidney impairment, frequent infections and high calcium levels.
Diagnosis combines blood and urine protein tests, imaging and a bone-marrow biopsy. Modern treatment is highly effective, with multi-drug regimens using targeted and immunomodulatory drugs, steroids, and where appropriate autologous stem-cell transplant, allowing many patients long periods of remission.
See also
- Hematologic Malignancy — A cancer that arises in the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy — A procedure that samples the spongy tissue inside a bone to look for blood-cell disorders.
- Stem Cell Transplant — Replacing diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy blood-forming stem cells.
- Remission — A reduction or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer after treatment.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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