About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in your blood. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies, which help your immune system recognize and fight infections. Plasma cells collect in the bone marrow - the soft, spongy inner core of the bones. They then travel into the bloodstream, where they circulate throughout the body. The term "multiple myeloma" is used because the disease typically affects multiple sites within the bones.
In multiple myeloma, cells that give rise to plasma cells produce genetically damaged (malignant) plasma cells called myeloma cells. Myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and divide uncontrollably. Eventually, the myeloma cells may crowd out healthy plasma cells and take away an important weapon the body has against disease. Myeloma cells can cause damage to the bones and kidneys.
The type of antibody produced by myeloma cells is called M-protein. Unfortunately, the M-protein produced by the defective myeloma cell is not effective at fighting infection. An abnormal increase in M-protein is commonly known as an M-spike, and can be detected by a blood test.