Synonyms: multiple myeloma, plasma cell neoplasm, myelomatosis
In myeloma there is malignant proliferation of plasma cells. This produces diffuse bone marrow infiltration causing bone destruction and bone marrow failure. There is also overproduction of a monoclonal antibody (immunoglobulin or 'paraprotein') by the malignant plasma cells, detectable in serum and/or urine. It is also characterised by osteolytic bone lesions, renal disease and immunodeficiency.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/myeloma-pro