What You Need to Know About Multiple Myeloma and How to Diagnose It

Some facts about this disease:

* Malignant disorder of plasma cells
* Peak incidence between 60-70 years
* Rare under the age of 30
* Males are affected more than females.

Pathogenesis:

-The tissues are infiltrated by proliferating cells.
-One type of abnormal immunoglobulins (paraprotein) usually IgG or IgA.
-This paraprotein may cause auto-immune manifestations.
-The paraprotein may coat the platelets and coagulation factors.
-Production of incomplete immunoglobulins (light chain only) by plas. cells which are excreted in urine (Bence-Jones protein).
-Diminished production of normal immunoglobulins increases infections. (more…)