Multiple Myeloma Dictionary

amyloidosis: Resulting from the abnormal development of proteins known as amyloids and can mass in a single spot or become widespread; may occur as a result of multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis or any number of chronic infections.

anemia: Also called "iron poor blood" and can occur in any individual but is also as a direct result of myeloma as plasma cells overpower the red blood cell populations that carry oxygen.

antibodies: A protein produced by specific white blood cells, known as "B lymphocytes" that activates and binds to a foreign agent, such as bacteria or a virus, either killing it or providing the platform for attack from other white blood cells in the immune system.

B cells: Specially programmed white blood cells that reside in bone marrow and are part of the immune system that also combines with other antigen fighters to produce the larger plasma cells.

Beta-2-microglobulin: A blood protein that when present at above-normal levels is an indicator for many conditions including myeloma and is also tested to help with staging and treatment as part of the International Staging System.

bone marrow: Soft tissue inside bones that is responsible for producing stem cells, which mature into red and white blood cells as well as platelets for clotting.

bone marrow aspiration: The use of a needle with suctioning power to remove marrow liquid for further microscopic study.

Chromosome 13: This chromosome appears to be partially missing or absent in some myeloma cells, which researchers suggest makes these particular mutations noticeably more aggressive.

creatinine: A waste byproduct of creatine, which is an energy-producing molecule, and is eliminated through the kidneys, but is also a known marker for determining multiple myeloma development and organ complications related to the disease.

colony-stimulating factors(CSF): These include granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors (GM-CSF) and are substances that help fight infection by raising white blood cell counts.

Durie-Salmon System: An older classification system for staging multiple myeloma with diagnostic measures that include hemoglobin, monoclonal immunoglobulin and calcium levels as well as bone damage.

electrophoresis: A group of tests that are used to evaluate M proteins in blood and urine.

extramedullary disease: The migration of plasma cell tumors to other tissues outside the bone, often on the tonsils, and a condition that frequently judged as a precursor for multiple myeloma.