Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell, which is a type of white blood cell. These cells live in the bone marrow and are key for healthy immune system function. Normally, those white blood cells make antibodies to help fight off infection.
“In myeloma, [the plasma cells] misbehave and start making an antibody that’s completely useless,” says Adriana Rossi, MD, associate clinical director of the Myeloma Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. In this video, learn how the change in blood cells can affect the body in different ways.
Adriana Rossi, MD, is the Associate Clinical Director of the Myeloma Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian.
References
Laubach, J.P. (2022). Patient education: multiple myeloma symptoms, diagnosis, and staging (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Plasma cell neoplasms (including multiple myeloma) treatment (PDQ®)–patient version.
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