Myeloma

Multiple myeloma
Synonym	Plasma cell myeloma, myelomatosis, or Kahler's disease
Micrograph of a plasmacytoma. H&E stain
Classification and external resources
Specialty	Hematology and oncology
ICD-10	C90.0
ICD-9-CM	203.0
ICD-O	M9732/3
OMIM	254500
DiseasesDB	8628
MedlinePlus	000583
eMedicine	med/1521
Patient UK	Multiple myeloma
MeSH	D009101
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Multiple myeloma, also known as plasma cell myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies. Initially, often no symptoms are noticed. When advanced, bone pain, bleeding, frequent infections, and anemia may occur. Complications may include amyloidosis.

The cause is generally unknown. Risk factors include drinking alcohol and obesity. The underlying mechanism involves abnormal plasma cells producing abnormal antibodies which can cause kidney problems and overly thick blood. The plasma cells can also form a mass in the bone marrow or soft tissue. When only one mass is present, it is known as a plasmacytoma while more than one is known as multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is diagnosed based on blood or urine tests finding abnormal antibodies, bone marrow biopsy finding cancerous plasma cells, and medical imaging finding bone lesions. Another common finding is high blood calcium levels.

Multiple myeloma is considered treatable but generally incurable. Remissions may be brought about with steroids, chemotherapy, thalidomide or lenalidomide, and stem cell transplant.Bisphosphonates and radiation therapy are sometimes used to reduce pain from bone lesions.

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