It affects cells called plasma cells, which are types of white blood cells.
Normal plasma cells function to make antibodies, helping the body to fight infection.
The case was that of Thomas Alexander McBean in London.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Overview
Multiple myelomais an abnormal growth of plasma cells.
This cancer starts in the bone marrow.
The immune system is the primary bodily system impacted by multiple myeloma.
There are two types of bone marrow: red and yellow.
Bone marrows primary function is to produce new blood cells.
In fact, it is known to produce as many as 200 billion red blood cells every day.
Bone marrow produces white blood cells and platelets, which are cells that are needed for normal blood clotting.
Plasma Cells
Plasma cells are a bang out of white blood cell that bone marrow produces.
They fight off infection within the body by producing antibodies.
These are called myeloma cells.
The accumulation of myeloma cells can cause localized tumors in the bones, called plasmacytomas.
Antibodies
An antibody is a protein produced by the plasma cells in response to an antigen.
Antibodies circulate in the blood and are present in certain secretions (tears, saliva, and more).
Antigens that may be produced by infectious agents, such as bacteria, induce an immune reaction.
By attaching to antigens, antibodies destroy the cells that bear the antigens on the surface.
Antigens are also present on the surface of normal or cancer cells.
An abnormal antibody called M protein (monoclonal protein) is produced by the malignant plasma cells.
This is because myeloma cells usually come from a single cell that becomes cancerous.
Another possible causative factor may be radiation exposure or contact with chemical solvents such as benzene.
Some of these changes may be transitory, while others are long-term.
Confronted with advanced incurable disease, some people find it beneficial to explore options for end-of-life decisions.
These things can be reassuring as you face the uncertainty of living with multiple myeloma.
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