Multiple Myeloma:Type Of Cancer

Multiple Myeloma:Type Of Cancer
A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.
Many patients with multiple myeloma show no symptoms for many years. Eventually, most patients develop some evidence of the disease related to weakened bones (bone pain), decreased numbers of red or white blood cells (anemia, infections), and kidney disease or failure.
The risk of developing it increases with age, with the majority of cases being diagnosed in patients 60 years or older. While there are a few families who have a higher incidence of multiple myeloma, most patients will not have any affected relatives. It is thought that the disease may be associated with a decrease in immune system function, occupational exposure to toxins and/or solvents, genetic factors, certain viruses, and radiation exposure