A tumor caused by the proliferation of immunoglobulin-synthesizing cells Myelomas produce large amounts of a single (monoclonal) antibody, or the individual heavy or light chains
A neoplasm of B lymphocytes that manifests itself as the derivative cells referred to as plasma cells The disease usually starts in the marrow, which is replaced by malignant plasma cells The malignant plasma cells make a monoclonal immunoglobulin, the detection of which may be very helpful in diagnosis The cells secrete chemicals that stimulate the overactivity of bone-dissolving cells, called osteoclasts, leading to osteoporosis and brittle bones that fracture easily
a tumor of the bone marrow (usually malignant) composed of cells normally found in bone marrow
A type of tumor cell that is used in monoclonal antibody technology to form hybridomas
A cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow It is sometimes called multiple myeloma See myeloma section
—A cancer affecting cells in the bone marrow; sometimes used as an abbreviation for multiple myeloma
A cancer of plasma cells The plasma cell normally produces proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies that destroy foreign bodies such as bacteria The antibodies recognize targets on foreign bodies known as antigens
A malignant tumor of plasma cells usually arising in the bone marrow; characterized by diffuse involvement of the skeletal system, hyperglobulinemia, Bence-Jones proteinuria, and anemia