Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that originates in plasma cells within the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a vital component of the immune system, responsible for producing antibodies to combat infections. In myeloma, these plasma cells become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably. This abnormal proliferation crowds out healthy blood cells, leading to various complications.
Understanding Myeloma's Development
- Origin: Myeloma develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside certain bones where blood cells are produced.
- Abnormal Plasma Cells: In myeloma, the bone marrow produces an abundance of abnormal, cancerous plasma cells.
- Impact on Healthy Cells: The uncontrolled growth of these cancerous cells displaces normal, healthy blood cells, potentially impairing the body's ability to fight infections and maintain healthy blood counts.
Key Characteristics of Myeloma
- Blood Cancer: Myeloma is classified as a blood cancer because it affects the blood-forming system.
- Bone Marrow Involvement: The primary site of myeloma development is the bone marrow.
- Plasma Cell Origin: The cancerous cells in myeloma originate from plasma cells, a specific type of white blood cell.
- Antibody Production: While healthy plasma cells produce antibodies to fight infections, cancerous plasma cells in myeloma may produce abnormal antibodies or no antibodies at all.
Multiple Myeloma vs. Myeloma
The terms "multiple myeloma" and "myeloma" are often used interchangeably and refer to the same disease.
References: Information compiled from various sources including the Mayo Clinic, The Myeloma Multiple Research Foundation (MMRF), Cancer Research UK, and the American Cancer Society websites, along with the provided text snippet. These sources consistently define myeloma as a cancer originating in plasma cells of the bone marrow.
