What characterizes multiple myeloma?

What characterizes multiple myeloma?

• A. Proliferation of white blood cells
• B. Proliferation of abnormal plasma cells
• C. Underproduction of red blood cells
• D. Formation of blood clots in vessels

Answer: (B)

Multiple myeloma is characterized specifically by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies, which are crucial for the immune response. In multiple myeloma, there is a malignant transformation of these plasma cells, leading to their uncontrolled growth and accumulation in the bone marrow. This proliferation disrupts the production of normal blood cells and antibodies, consequently impacting the patient’s immune system and overall health. In addition to the overproduction of monoclonal antibodies, this abnormal growth can lead to bone lesions, renal impairment, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections, as the normal plasma cells are overshadowed by their malignant counterparts. Understanding the nature of this proliferation is key to diagnosing and managing the disease effectively.

Multiple myeloma is characterized specifically by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies, which are crucial for the immune response. In multiple myeloma, there is a malignant transformation of these plasma cells, leading to their uncontrolled growth and accumulation in the bone marrow. This proliferation disrupts the production of normal blood cells and antibodies, consequently impacting the patient’s immune system and overall health.

In addition to the overproduction of monoclonal antibodies, this abnormal growth can lead to bone lesions, renal impairment, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections, as the normal plasma cells are overshadowed by their malignant counterparts. Understanding the nature of this proliferation is key to diagnosing and managing the disease effectively.