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*Words in the glossary are italicized the first time that they appear in the text

Myeloma
 

Myeloma is a type of cancer
It is a disease that starts in the marrow.

The marrow — the spongy tissue found in the center of the bone — is the part of the body that makes red and white blood cells.

In myeloma, one type of developing white blood cell (B lymphocyte), called a plasma cell, grows continuously to form a mass, or tumor, in the marrow.

• When there are too many plasma cells, they crowd out developing, normal white and red blood cells.

• The plasma cells in myeloma make factors that cause bone to dissolve, leading to fractures.

• Fewer red blood cells result in less oxygen being carried to the tissue throughout the body, causing fatigue and shortness of breath with exercise.

• Fewer white blood cells make it harder to fight infection.

Myeloma and the immune System

The immune system is our natural defense against infectious disease such as pneumonia. Plasma cells are an important part of the immune system:

• Normally, plasma cells help the body to fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies

• When normal plasma cells grow too fast, becoming abnormal, they are called myeloma cells

• Unlike healthy cells, myeloma cells make ineffective antibodies called M proteins

There are two main types of myeloma

Plasmacytoma. Plasmacytoma is a single mass or tumor outside the bone marrow. Myeloma may develop later in patients with plasmacytoma.

Myeloma. About 90 percent of all myelomas are found in more than one site including the ribs, backbone, pelvis, shoulder bones, breastbone and skull.

Other terms may be used to describe how the tumor is distributed:

• Solitary myeloma is a tumor limited to one place in the bone.

• Localized myeloma are tumors in a few neighboring sites.

• Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a tumor found in an area outside the bone, such as the skin, muscle or lung.

• Smoldering, or indolent myeloma, refers to a slowly progressing disease.

There are five other myeloma-related diseases:

• Essential monoclonal gammopathy

• Macroglobulinemia

• Primary amyloidosis

• Heavy Chain Disease

• POEMS Syndrome

Risks for myeloma

In 2004, it is estimated that 15,270 Americans will be newly diagnosed with myeloma. Approximately 54,930 patients in the United States are living with the disease, and more than 11,000 people will die of the disease.

The cause of myeloma is unknown. However, we do know that myeloma is not preventable or contagious. Damage to the DNA of an early plasma cell (called a B lymphocyte) can cause the uncontrolled multiplication of plasma cells.

Age and Sex. The risk of myeloma increases with age and is more common in men than in women. Myeloma rarely occurs in people under the age of 50. Eighty percent of cases occur after the age of 60.

Populations. Americans of African descent get myeloma about twice as often as Caucasians.

Signs and symptoms of myeloma

In the early stage of the disease, there may be no symptoms.

In managing myeloma, it is important for physicians to find out about any changes as soon as possible. Other common symptoms include:

• Pain from bone involvement or fractures

• Unexpected fractures or fractures with minor injury

• Unexplained anemia

Speak with your physician if any of these signs or symptoms persist or recur.

www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605, (800) 955-4572

 

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