Myeloma is the cancer that develops on the plasma cell. The condition in which group of plasma cells (myeloma cells) become malignant (cancerous) is known as multiple myeloma. The cancer causing cells start multiplying rapidly affecting more number of myeloma cells or white blood cells. As the plasma cells (myeloma cells) is responsible for producing proteins that fight against infections, the body’s immunity gets impaired when myeloma becomes cancerous. This would ultimately affect the normal functioning of bones, kidneys and total immune system. However, myeloma can be cured by effective methods of treatment.
White blood cells are found in the bone marrow and protect the body against infection. Red blood cells are the cells that transport oxygenated blood to the tissues present in the body. Platelets are a type of cells that aids in clotting of blood that helps the body to recover from loss of blood during injury. These are the major three types of blood cells.
Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells which produces protein to fight against infection thus protecting the body from virus, bacteria and other germs. During myeloma, these plasma cells abnormally starts developing cancer causing cells in fast rate that will not allow the body to destroy dead cells.
Causes :
Exact reason that causes multiple myeloma is unknown. But factors like old-age, lowered immunity, belonging to specific race (African American) and family history induces the risk of getting myeloma. If a person has illness like MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance) in which abnormal M protein cells are produced, then it increases the risk of getting myeloma. But this disorder is not contagious.
It all begins suddenly when one plasma cell becomes abnormal which would eventually multiply in number causing damage to the healthy blood cells.