Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that is formed by malignant plasma cells. To explain what a plasma cell is, let’s start by talking about lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are one of the main types of cells that make up the immune system. A lymphocyte further differentiates into B cells and T cells. B cells mature and transform into plasma cells. This type of cell makes antibodies (immunoglobulins) that respond to infection by attacking and killing germs. Unlike lymphocytes that are found in many parts of the body such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, intestines and blood stream, plasma cells are most commonly found in bone marrow.
From time to time, something goes wrong, causing plasma cells to become cancerous and begin to grow out of control. When …show more content…
It is possible that a number of factors play a role in the disease, including genetics, environment, occupation, radiation and infection. Some genetic abnormalities have been linked to MM such as c-myc, N-ras, K-ras, TP53, (HLA)-Cw5, and HLA-Cw2. It has been found that about half of all people with myeloma have translocation of chromosomes. What this means is that part of one chromosome gets swapped for part of a different chromosome. This switch causes the function of that gene to change1. Infection with the human herpes virus 8 is also believed to be related. Much more research about the etiology of multiple myeloma needs to be done in order to find a definitive …show more content…
The amount of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM) can be measured using serum electrophoresis. We know that an immunoglobulin is produced by myeloma cells because it is monoclonal, meaning all the exact same antibody. Once we know this type of Ig is present, we can use immunoelectrophoresis to determine the exact type of abnormal antibody (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, etc.). Immunoglobulins are made up of proteins. Sometimes, this protein can be excreted through the kidneys. When it is excreted in the urine, this protein is known as Bence-Jones
From time to time, something goes wrong, causing plasma cells to become cancerous and begin to grow out of control. When …show more content…
It is possible that a number of factors play a role in the disease, including genetics, environment, occupation, radiation and infection. Some genetic abnormalities have been linked to MM such as c-myc, N-ras, K-ras, TP53, (HLA)-Cw5, and HLA-Cw2. It has been found that about half of all people with myeloma have translocation of chromosomes. What this means is that part of one chromosome gets swapped for part of a different chromosome. This switch causes the function of that gene to change1. Infection with the human herpes virus 8 is also believed to be related. Much more research about the etiology of multiple myeloma needs to be done in order to find a definitive …show more content…
The amount of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM) can be measured using serum electrophoresis. We know that an immunoglobulin is produced by myeloma cells because it is monoclonal, meaning all the exact same antibody. Once we know this type of Ig is present, we can use immunoelectrophoresis to determine the exact type of abnormal antibody (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, etc.). Immunoglobulins are made up of proteins. Sometimes, this protein can be excreted through the kidneys. When it is excreted in the urine, this protein is known as Bence-Jones