BLOOD & BONE MARROW CANCERS
Leukemia, Myeloma: There are many different lines of cells in the normal bone marrow. Uncontrolled growth of any of the cell lines can produce cancer: Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone; Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.
Plasma cells help the body's immune system fight disease. Multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells grow out of control. Excessive plasma cells can form a tumor in the bone marrow called a myeloma. Many tumors are called multiple myeloma.
The growth of the excess plasma cells interferes with the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This causes anemia and makes a person more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding. As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, they cause pain and destruction of the bones. If the bones in the spine are affected, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness or paralysis.
- Bone or back pain
- Unexplained fractures
- Bleeding problems
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)
Blood tests can help diagnose this disease.
- A newer blood test called the Freelite diagnostic assay can be used to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma.
- A blood chemistry test shows increased levels of calcium, total protein, and abnormal kidney function.
- A complete blood count (CBC) reveals low hematocrit (anemia) and a low number of red and white blood cells and platelets.
- Serum protein electrophoresis, a test to measure various types of protein part of the blood, is abnormal.
Bone x-rays show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
- Bone lesion biopsy
- Serum globulin electrophoresis
- Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
- Serum immunoelectrophoresis
- ESR
- Cryoglobulins
- Blood differential
- Ionized calcium
- Protein in urine
- Urine immunofixation
- Urine immunoelectrophoresis
- Calcium in urine
- Bence-Jones protein (quantitative)
- 24-hr urine protein
