Hematology

Multiple Myeloma, Amyloidosis, and Stem Cell Transplantation

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that arises from a type of white blood cells called as plasma cell myeloma. Plasma cells become abnormal, proliferate when tumors accumulate in the different parts of the body especially in the bone marrow. Myeloma is diagnosed and monitored by measuring the levels of paraproteins. Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in your organs and interferes with their normal function. Amyloid is formed from several different types of protein in the body. Treatments for amyloidosis may include medications to reduce amyloid production and to control symptoms and some people may benefit from organ or stem cell transplants.