Multiple myeloma Health Article

Definition

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.

Alternative Names

Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone; Myeloma - multiple

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Plasma cells help the body's immune system fight disease. Multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells grow out of control. Excessive plasma cells can form a tumor in the bone marrow called a myeloma. Many tumors are called multiple myeloma.

The growth of the excess plasma cells interferes with the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This causes anemia and makes a person more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding.

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, they cause pain and destruction of the bones. If the bones in the spine are affected, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness or paralysis.

Renal failure (kidney failure) is a frequent complication.

Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults. A history of radiation therapy raises your risk for this type of cancer.

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

Blood tests can help diagnose this disease.

• A newer blood test called the Freelite diagnostic assay can be used to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma.
• A blood chemistry test shows increased levels of calcium, total protein, and abnormal kidney function.
• A complete blood count (CBC) reveals low hematocrit (anemia) and a low number of red and white blood cells and platelets.
• Serum protein electrophoresis, a test to measure various types of protein part of the blood, is abnormal.

Bone x-rays show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.

• Bone lesion biopsy
• Serum globulin electrophoresis
• Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
• Serum immunoelectrophoresis
• ESR
• Cryoglobulins
• Blood differential
• Ionized calcium
• Protein in urine
• Urine immunofixation
• Urine immunoelectrophoresis
• Calcium in urine
• Bence-Jones protein (quantitative)
• 24-hr urine protein