Multiple myeloma is a type of
cancer formed by cancerous plasma cells in the blood.
Normal plasma cells
are an important part of the body’s immune
system.
The immune system is made up of several types of
cells that work together to fight infections. Lymph
cells (lymphocytes) are the main type of cell in
the immune system. There are two main types of lymph
cells: T-cells and B-cells. T-cells help protect
against viruses, transplanted organs and cancer cells.
B-cells help protect the body against germs such
as bacteria.
B-cells change into plasma cells when they are needed
to fight germs. The plasma cells make proteins called
antibodies, which attack and help kill the germs.
When plasma cells grow out of control, they can form
a tumor called myeloma. Myeloma tumors can grow in
many places. They often collect and grow in the soft
middle part of the bone called the bone marrow. Tumors
that grow in more than one place are called multiple
myeloma.
There are no known risk factors you can avoid to
prevent multiple myeloma. And there are no tests
to find this cancer early in people without symptoms.
Source: American Cancer Society
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