Multiple myeloma lab findings usmle8/31/2023 ![]() In MGUS, the number of plasma cells may be increased, but they still make up less than 10% of the cells in the bone marrow. It’s most often found when a routine blood test finds a high level of protein in the blood and further testing shows the protein is a monoclonal antibody. It doesn’t cause weak bones, high calcium levels, kidney problems, or low blood counts. MGUS usually does not affect a person’s health. However, these plasma cells do not form an actual tumor or mass and do not cause any of the problems seen in multiple myeloma. In monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), abnormal plasma cells make many copies of the same antibody (called a monoclonal protein). Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance However, some people with MGUS will eventually go on to develop multiple myeloma or other diseases. It can also occur in a disorder known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which does not cause problems like multiple myeloma does. It can also occur in other diseases, such as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and some lymphomas. Although people with multiple myeloma have a monoclonal gammopathy, not everyone with monoclonal gammopathy has multiple myeloma. It is usually found on a routine blood test when looking for other conditions. Other Plasma Cell Disorders Monoclonal gammopathyĪ monoclonal gammopathy is when plasma cells make too many copies of the same antibody. Myeloma cells make an antibody that can harm the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and even kidney failure. That’s because the myeloma cells are just many copies of the same plasma cell – all making copies of the same exact (or monoclonal) antibody. The antibody made by the myeloma cells does not help fight infections. In multiple myeloma, the myeloma cells crowd out the normal plasma cells, so that antibodies to fight the infection can’t be made. As mentioned before, normal plasma cells produce antibodies that attack germs. InfectionsĪbnormal plasma cells cannot protect the body from infections. Problems caused by high calcium levels are discussed in Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma. This increase in bone break-down can also raise calcium levels in the blood. Fractured bones are a major problem in people with myeloma. So old bone is broken down without new bone to replace it, making the bones weak and easy to break. Myeloma cells make a substance that tells the osteoclasts to speed up dissolving the bone. Two kinds of bone cells work together to keep bones healthy and strong: Bones are constantly being remade to keep them strong. Myeloma cells also interfere with cells that help keep bones strong. This can lead to problems fighting infections. Another condition that can develop is leukopenia (a shortage of normal white blood cells).This can lead to increased bleeding and bruising. Multiple myeloma can also cause the level of platelets in the blood to become low (called thrombocytopenia).People with anemia become weak and fatigued. This can cause anemia (a shortage of red blood cells).In multiple myeloma, the overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow can crowd out normal blood-forming cells, leading to low blood counts. Multiple myeloma features Low blood counts Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS).These other plasma cell disorders include: There are, however, other plasma cell disorders that also have abnormal plasma cells but do not meet the criteria to be called active multiple myeloma. The plasma cells make an abnormal protein (antibody) known by several different names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M-protein), M-spike, or paraprotein. In general, when plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control, this is called multiple myeloma. In addition to plasma cells, normal bone marrow is also the home for other blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones. Plasma cells, are found mainly in the bone marrow. Plasma cells make the antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) that help the body attack and kill germs. ![]() When B cells respond to an infection, they mature and change into plasma cells. Lymphocytes are in many areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, the bone marrow, the intestines, and the bloodstream. Lymphocytes (lymph cells) are one of the main types of white blood cells in the immune system and include T cells and B cells. The immune system is made up of several types of cells that work together to fight infections and other diseases. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer? Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. ![]()
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