TY - JOUR ID - TI - Multiple Myeloma, the Plasma Cell Cancer: An Overview AU - Basim A. Abd, Mushtaq Q. Mohammed PY - 2020 VL - 17 IS - 3 SP - 233 EP - 237 JO - Medical Journal of Babylon مجلة بابل الطبية SN - 1812156X 23126760 AB - Multiple myeloma (MM), also known as plasma cell myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cells that normally produceantibodies. The word myeloma is from the Greek (myelo), meaning “marrow” and (oma), meaning “tumor.” It usually occurs around theage of 60 and is more common in men than women. It is uncommon before the age of 40. Usually, no symptoms are noticed initially. As thedisease progresses, bone pain, bleeding, frequent infections, and anemia may occur. The cause of this disease is unknown. Risk factors includeobesity, radiation exposure, family history, and certain chemicals. The abnormal plasma cells produce abnormal antibodies, which can causekidney problems and overly thick blood. The plasma cells can also form a mass in the bone marrow or soft tissue. When one tumor is present,it is called a plasmacytoma; more than one is called MM. MM is diagnosed based on blood or urine tests finding abnormal antibodies, bonemarrow biopsy finding cancerous plasma cells, and medical imaging finding bone lesions. Another common finding is high blood calciumlevels. MM is considered treatable, but generally incurable. Remissions may be brought about with steroids, chemotherapy, targeted therapy,and stem cell transplant. Radiation therapy is sometimes used to reduce pain from bone lesions.

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