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MULTIPLE MYELOMA
PLASMA CELLS
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MULTIPLE MYELOMA
PLASMA CELLS
What is Multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is basically a cancer of the plasma cells, meaning that they are multiplying out of control. The plasma cells secrete the antibodies that the body uses to fight infections from germs. The body normally keeps a tight control on its cells' division, so that dividing cells can properly replace those lost through oldage or injury. For the immune system, a great quantity of specific antibody is only needed to fight a specific invader, because the antibody produced for each type of germ is different.
For example, if a person has strep, there is no need to produce massive quantities of antibody against tetanus! Interestingly, the immune system is partly regulated by a class of "T" lymphocytes, called "T-suppressor" cells, which block excessive production of unneeded antibodies. Thus, the "T" lymphocytes not only stimulate the immune system via the "T-helper" cell, but they also calm it down through the "T-suppressor" cells.
A cancer of the the immune system starts in just one cell. There are particular cancers for "T" cells and "B" cells, including leukemias and lymphomas. Multiple myeloma is the particular name for uncontrolled division of the plasma cells. Since it starts in just one cell, all of the plasma cells produced should look identical, and moreover, produce the same antibody, also called "immunoglobulin". When this production is well controlled, it fights disease. When it is out of control, it is a cancer. When it is in just one place in the body, it is called plasmacytoma. When it is in multiple areas, it is called multiple myeloma.
What is a Plasmacytoma?
Plasmacytoma is basically a cancer of the plasma cells, meaning that they are multiplying out of control. The body normally keeps a tight control on it's cells division; cell division is controlled by the genetic material ("genes") inside each cell. Cells commonly divide rapidly in womb life, childhood and puberty, to grow the adult body. After this, most divide more slowly to replace cells lost through old-age or injury. Blood cells, which include red cells to carry oxygen, white cells to fight infection, and platelets for clotting, continue to divide rapidly in adults, for these cells are usually short-lived. For the immune system, a great quantity of specific antibody is only needed to fight a specific invader, since the antibody produced for each type of germ is different. Thus, only particular white blood cells will be needed in large quantity. For example, if a person has strep, there is no need to be producing massive quantities of antibody against tetanus! Interestingly, the immune system is partly regulated by a class of "T" lymphocytes, called "T-suppressor" cells, which block excessive production of unneeded antibodies. Thus, the "T" lymphocytes not only stimulate the immune system via the "T-Helper" cell, but they also calm it down through the "T-Suppressor" cells.A cancer of the the immune system starts in just one cell . There are particular cancers for "T" cells and "B" cells, including leukemias andlymphomas . A plasmacytoma is the particular name for uncontrolled division of the plasma cells. Since it starts in just one cell, all of the plasma cells produced should appear identical, and moreover, produce the same antibody, also called "immunoglobulin" . These exact copies of the original plasma cell which first produced the effective antibody are called"clones" . When this production is well controlled, it fights disease. When it is out of control, it gains the capacity to invade and destroy normal tissue; this is cancer. For plasma cell cancer, when it is found in just one place in the body (usually bone) it is called (solitary) plasmacytoma . When it is in multiple areas, it is called "multiple myeloma".
How common is Plasmacytoma?
There are about 12,000 new cases of "plasma cell neoplasms", which includes plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma, each year in the U.S.A. About 1,000 of these cases are"solitary plasmacytoma" each year, the remainder are multiple myeloma at diagnosis. The number of cases increases with age. 98% of patients are over 40 years old, and 60% of patients are males. The disease is more common in Black individuals than Whites. Multiple Myeloma causes about 7000 deaths per year.
Concerning plasmacytomas, there are two basic types--"solitary plasmacytoma of bone" and"extramedullary plasmacytoma" . Obviously, the plasmacytoma of bone starts in bone. In contrast, the "extramedullary" type starts in soft tissue like fat or muscle. These types have different characters. Generally, the "plasmacytoma of bone" is more likely to progress to multiple myeloma (>70% at 10 years) than "extramedullary plasmacytoma (20% at 10 years). Multiple plasmacytomas are multiple myeloma by definition.
What Causes or Increases the Risk for Plasmacytoma?
Like any cancer, the particular reason why one person gets a plasmacytoma and another does not remains unknown . However, several things have been noted to increase the risk for plasma cell neoplasms, called"risk factors"
1) Radiation Exposure-- About 5 times the normal expected number of plasma cell cancers were seen in the Japanese atomic bomb survivors, this was not noted, however, until 20 years after the war! Routine X-rays are a minimal risk.
2) Heredity - Close relatives of patients with plasma cell cancer have a higher risk of getting it than the general population. Men and Women get the disease in equal numbers.
3) Carcinogens are chemicals that increase the risk of cancers. They are suspected of causing a gene disturbance in multiple myeloma, leading to an uncontrolled growth of plasma cells.
**Cigarette smoking and alcohol intakedo not appear to increase the risk.
Can Plasma Cell Cancer be Prevented?
At this time, besides being prudent about not exposing one's self to unnecessary radiation or carcinogens, there is no known way of preventing plasma cell cancers.
What are the Symptoms of Plasmacytoma?
This of course depends upon it's location, and whether it is in bone or the soft tissues. For "solitary plasmacytoma of bone" the most common symptom ispain in the local area, or a"pathologic fracture" from weakening of that area of bone. There can be compression of nerve roots in the spine from a growing tumor. Alternatively, there are often no symptoms ; the disease is detected on a routine X-ray for a physical exam or by a chiropractor. For "extramedullary plasmacytoma" the most common symptom is a fleshy swelling which continues to enlarge over several months. The and symptoms of multiple myeloma are several areas of bone pain and anemia (with paleness and weakness).
It is critical for survival to treat multiple myeloma. Appropriately The Cancer Group Institute's material explains, in plain English, the definition, frequency, risk factors, symptoms, evaluation, staging, historic treatments and results, and the latest effective treatment for multiple myeloma. We tell you everything you need to know to help fight this cancer successfully.
