"Multiple myeloma (from Greek myelo-, bone marrow), is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for the production of antibodies. Collections of abnormal cells accumulate in bones, where they cause bone lesions (abnormal areas of tissue), and in the bone marrowparaprotein, an abnormal antibody that can cause kidney problems and interferes with the production of normal antibodies leading to immunodeficiency. Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) is often encountered. where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells.
Myeloma is diagnosed with blood tests (protein electrophoresis, peripheral blood smear), microscopic examination of the bone marrow (bone marrow biopsy), and radiographs of commonly involved bones. Myeloma is generally thought to be incurable, but remissions may be induced with steroids, chemotherapy, thalidomide and stem cell transplants. Newer drugs, such as lenalidomide and bortezomib, are often used in more advanced disease. Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat bone lesions that are causing symptoms.
The disease develops in 1–4 per 100,000 people per year. It is more
common in men, and is twice as common in blacks as it is in whites. With
conventional treatment, the prognosis is 3–4 years, which may be
extended to 5–7 years or longer with advanced treatments. Multiple
myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy (13%) and constitutes 1% of all cancers."
-wikipedia
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