![]() monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).There are some other conditions that affect plasma cells and are related to myeloma. The next most common is IgA and light chain only. Your type is named after the abnormal immunoglobulin (paraprotein) made by the myeloma cells. Types of myeloma and other related conditions You might have nosebleeds, very heavy periods, or a fine rash of red spots caused by bleeding into the skin. If you don't have enough platelets, you might bleed more. Platelets are important for normal blood clotting. If you haven't got enough red blood cells, you have anaemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen round the body. ![]() If you don't have enough white blood cells, you will pick up more infections, and infections might take longer to get better. The white cells are important for fighting infection. This means that there is not enough space for making normal white cells, red cells and platelets. In myeloma, too many plasma cells are made and they are all of the same type. Plasma cells develop from a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes. ![]() As they develop (mature), they turn into one of three types of blood cell: All blood cells start as the same type of cell, called a stem cell. Usually bone marrow makes blood cells in a controlled way, when your body needs them. To understand why myeloma affects you the way it does, it helps to understand how blood cells are normally produced and what they do. Myeloma affects several places in the body which is why it is sometimes called multiple myeloma. This includes your arms and legs and your shoulders as well as your spine, skull, pelvis and rib cage. ![]() Myeloma affects areas where you have active bone marrow. Most of the problems it causes are because of a build up of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and the paraprotein in the body. Find out more about treatment at /myeloma How myeloma affects your body High calcium levels cause symptoms including feeling thirsty, constipated or confused.Ģ.29 Myeloma cells can also damage the kidneys.Ģ.32 Information about your symptoms helps your specialist plan the best treatment for you. This can cause pain and the release of calcium into the bloodstream which causes high calcium levels. This is why it’s also called multiple myeloma.Ģ.09 Myeloma cells can also damage and break down nearby bones. This means you feel tired and might be breathless.Ģ.02 Myeloma cells can build up anywhere in the body. When there are fewer red blood cells you become anaemic. This can make you feel dizzy or have headaches.ġ.39 The myeloma cells also crowd the bone marrow leaving little space for other types of blood cells.ġ.46 Red blood cells contain haemoglobin. This is why people with myeloma get more infections.ġ.29 The large amount of the abnormal antibodies or paraproteins can thicken the blood. Myeloma reduces the number of normal immune cells and normal antibodies. They divide to make more myeloma cells.ġ.09 Myeloma cells make abnormal types of antibodies called paraproteins or monoclonal proteins. These abnormal plasma cells are myeloma cells. These antibodies help the body to fight infections.Ġ.54 Myeloma starts when there’s a mistake with the bone marrow making plasma cells. They’re an important part of the immune system.Ġ.43 Normal plasma cells make proteins called antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. Some white blood cells, called B-lymphocytes develop to form plasma cells. These develop into red cells, white cells and platelets.Ġ.31 There are several types of white blood cells. All blood cells start as the same type of call called a stem cell. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside the inner part of some of our large bones.Ġ.16 It makes different types of blood cells. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. So blood and urine tests are a way of detecting these light chains to diagnose and monitor myeloma. The body gets rid of the light chain in the urine. This is also known as the Bence Jones protein. Paraproteins are often found in the blood and urine if you have myeloma. One part of the paraprotein is called the light chain. You might hear your doctor call the antibodies different names such as: The abnormal antibodies aren't able to work normally and can't help fight infections. Myeloma cells make abnormal types of antibodies called paraproteins. The abnormal plasma cell then divides and multiplies and produces more abnormal plasma cells. The change happens to the DNA when the bone marrow is making new plasma cells. DNA is the instructions for the cell so it knows what to do and when. Myeloma develops when there is a change in the DNA of the plasma cells.
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