Definition and what causes myeloma

T hese normal plasma cells produce antibodies that help the body’s immune system maintenance. Through a complex process, transformation of healthy plasma cells into malignant myeloma cells occurs. The production of abnormal proteins in the malignant plasma cells leads to tumors, kidney damage and impaired functioning of the immune system. If the malignant cells cause a single tumor, then the disease is called a solitary plasmacytoma whereas formation of multiple tumors is called multiple myeloma. Since myeloma mainly occurs in the bone marrow, the other cells in it end up removing the solid part of the bone resulting to weakened bones, osteolytic lesions which are soft spots in the bone and increased risk of fractures. Causes: There are certain risk factors that are viewed to increase the probability of one contracting myeloma cancer. Studies show that people with close family members suffering from myeloma are more likely to develop the illness than people with no close family members with the illness. People with lower immunity which may be due to an organ transplant have high chances of myeloma compared to the other population. Gaucher disease is a rare genetic condition that leads to fatty substances to accumulating in certain organs of the body and enlarge them minimizing their efficiency levels. When the fatty substances accumulate in bones, they cause pain weakness and fracture. Therefore people with this condition are at a higher risk of myeloma. Obese or overweight people have an increased risk of myeloma when compared to those people with a healthy bodyweight. Past exposure to high levels of radiation increases the risk of developing myeloma. Having one or more of the above mentioned risk factors does not mean that it is a must that you develop myeloma. [Photo: flickr.com]