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Multiple myeloma

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.

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Ewing’s sarcoma (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Ewing's sarcoma is a malignant (cancerous) bone tumor¿that affects children. Reviewer: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/26/2006
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Bone pain or tenderness (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Bone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones. Reviewer: Thomas N. Joseoph, M.D., private practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/09/2007
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Bone x-ray (3 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A bone x-ray may detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone. Reviewer: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/18/2007
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Cancer - resources (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy.Date: 10/11/2006
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