General Information

 Myelomas are cancers of plasma cells

 Plasma cells are special white blood cells derived from the maturation of B (bone    marrow) lymphocytes


 The function of plasma cells is to produce antibodies to fight infection

 In myeloma and other plasma cell diseases, one of the plasma cells becomes malignant    and begins to proliferate independently This results in the overproduction of specific    protein products called immunoglobulins (antibodies) Myelomas grow from bone marrow    and affect both bone and other bone marrow cells - red, white and platelet


 The major problem caused by myeloma is usually bone destruction resulting in pain or    collapse


 Other common problems include low blood counts, anemia, kidney problems and    repeated infections