Glossary

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A-H

anemia
A low level of red blood cells or hemoglobin; may be characterized by paleness, weakness, or shortness of breath with activity

angiogenesis
The growth of new blood vessels

antibody
Proteins (known as immunoglobulins) that circulate in the blood to protect against infections by recognizing and binding to foreign substances such as germs. This signals to other parts of the immune system to destroy germs or other targets

apoptosis
Programmed cell death

bone marrow
Soft, sponge-like area in the center of large bones that contains hematopoietic stem cells for production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets

cytokines
A substance made by a cell that acts as a signal for other cells

femur
Long bone of the leg (thigh bone)

humerus
Upper arm bone

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I-R

indolent
Slow to develop

M-protein
An antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell tumors. Also called monoclonal protein.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
A benign condition in which the levels of M-proteins are higher than normal. Also called MGUS.

osteolytic lesions
Areas of breakdown on the bone

plasma cells
A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies

platelet
A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called a thrombocyte.

red blood cells
A cell that carries oxygen throughout the body. Also called erythrocyte.

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S-Z

smoldering myeloma
A slow-developing myeloma that often causes no symptoms.

sternum
The long flat bone at the center front of the chest. Also called the breastbone.

white blood cells (WBCs)
Infection-fighting blood cells made in the bone marrow. There are two main types of white blood cells: lymphocytes and myeloid cells. As some myeloid cells and some lymphocytes only live for a few days, the bone marrow is constantly making new cells to replace the old ones in the blood. The bone marrow normally makes millions of blood cells every day. When they are mature enough to leave the bone marrow, the white blood cells are released into the bloodstream to circulate around the body. Lymphocytes, unlike the myeloid cells, also circulate in the lymphatic system.

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BONE MARROW

The bone marrow environment is an organized meshwork of cells and is where blood cells are made.

 

BLOOD CELLS

It is important to understand that while multiple myeloma affects your bones, it is really a cancer of the blood. Blood is made inside your bones – in the bone marrow.

 

EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA ON THE BONE

Myeloma cells tend to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they literally stick to the healthy bone cells and interfere with their usual activity. As a result, the bone compensates by becoming overactive and releasing too many cells out of the bone and into the bloodstream.

 
 
 

 

 

The bone marrow environment is an organized meshwork of cells and is where blood cells are made.

 
 

 

 

It is important to understand that while multiple myeloma affects your bones, it is really a cancer of the blood. Blood is made inside your bones -- in the bone marrow.

 
 

 

 

Myeloma cells tend to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they literally stick to the healthy bone cells and interfere with their usual activity. As a result, the bone compensates by becoming overactive and releasing too many cells out of the bone and into the bloodstream.

 
 

 

 

 

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