Multiple myeloma is a clonic proliferation of malignant plasma cells, producing excessive amounts of monoclonal antibodies (most commonly IgG).

Background

  • These plasma cells are usually monoclonal and therefore produce monoclonal immunoglobulin referred to as protein M (M as in myeloma) or paraprotein.
  • Levels of protein M can be measured:
    • From the blood (electrophoresis)
      • "M spike" is seen indicating a high level of immunoglobulins
    • From the urine (in glomerular damage)
  • 2nd-most common group of hematological malignancy.

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a clonic proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The cells are producing monoclonal antibodies, typically of IgG type.

  • Multiple = as it frequently appears as multiple patches or areas in the bone marrow; myeloma = swelling within the bone marrow.
  • The malignant cells are mature plasma cells that went through

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