Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, also called as
myeloma, plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease, is a malignant degeneration of the plasma cells (also known as
plasma B cells, plasmocytes). In other words, you have multiple myeloma when there is an inappropriate and
excessive production of plasma cells in your body.
Multiple myeloma is a
cancer that develops from white blood cells, a group of blood cells formed in the bone marrow. These cells,
forming part of the immune system, produce antibodies (immunoglobulins) to combat infections and pathogenic
attacks capable of causing diseases. Myeloma occurs when plasma cells multiply and invade the bone marrow at
higher than normal level. These turbulent cells (myeloma cells) take the place of healthy blood cells to form,
in the skeleton, multiple osteolytic tumors.
Without an early and
effective treatment, myeloma cells will eventually attack your bones, causing pain and increasing your risk of
fractures. As the cancer progresses, myeloma cells can also spread into your kidneys and nervous system, leading
to fatal problems.
Myeloma Statistics
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