Multiple Myeloma Dictionary

positron emission tomography(PET): Some research indicates this scan using radioactive glucose may be helpful in detecting myeloma tumors as cancer cells feature a high metabolic rate that attracts glucose.

plasma cell myeloma: Another term for multiple myeloma.

plasma cell neoplasms: A group of diseases, in which multiple myeloma is the most prevalent, that are based on the presence of too many abnormal or cancerous white blood cells.

plasma cells: A small percentage of bone marrow cells that produce immunoglobulins, or antibodies, as a part of the body's immune system.

plasmacytoma: A single group of myeloma, or plasma, cells that may congregate on the bone and in tissues and often without a presence in the marrow or blood, but can eventually lead to multiple myeloma.

plasmapheresis: A removal and reintroduction of a patient's blood from which plasma is separated and discarded that may include donated plasma (or a substitute), which will continue to produce antibodies.

platelets: These cells within the blood have a sticky surface that breaks apart when bleeding occurs to create a thread-like web over the wound.

serum albumin: More commonly known as "albumin" and is a protein found in plasma that regulates the flow of body fluids.

serum calcium: The presence of calcium is critical to cell growth, and the measurement of this element in too low or excessive quantities in the blood can be indicative of many conditions.

smoldering multiple myeloma: The presence of myeloma tumors that may exhibit no symptoms and appear to stabilize or be slow-growing, but will eventually develop into multiple myeloma, which does require treatment other than observation.

serum protein electrophoresis(SPEP): This test screens the blood proteins and measures the elemental levels, which may be indicative of disease or other medical conditions.