There are many different types of plasma cell cancers. Learn more about the characteristics and symptoms of the main types:
| Multiple Myeloma |
In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow, forming tumors in many bones of the body. These tumors may prevent the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells. Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into three types of mature blood cells:
• Red blood cells that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body
• White blood cells that fight infection and disease
• Platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form
As the number of myeloma cells increases, fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made. The myeloma cells also damage and weaken the hard parts of the bones. Sometimes multiple myeloma does not cause any symptoms. The following symptoms may be caused by multiple myeloma or other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
• Bone pain, often in the back or ribs
• Bones that break easily
• Fever for no known reason or frequent infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Trouble breathing
• Weakness of the arms or legs
• Feeling very tired
A tumor can damage the bone and cause hypercalcemia (a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood). This can affect many organs in the body, including the kidneys, nerves, heart, muscles and digestive tract, and cause serious health problems.
Hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms:
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Feeling thirsty
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Feeling very tired
• Muscle weakness
• Restlessness
• Mental confusion or trouble thinking
In rare cases, multiple myeloma can cause organs to fail. This may be caused by a condition called amyloidosis. Antibody proteins build up and may bind together and collect in organs, such as the kidney and heart. This can cause the organs to become stiff and unable to function.
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| Plasmacytoma |
In this type of plasma cell cancer, the abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) collect in one location and form a single tumor, called a plasmacytoma. A plasmacytoma may form in bone marrow or may be extramedullary (in soft tissues outside of the bone marrow). Plasmacytoma of the bone often becomes multiple myeloma. Extramedullary plasmacytomas commonly form in tissues of the throat and sinuses; these usually can be cured.
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is.
• In bone, the plasmacytoma may cause pain or broken bones
• In soft tissue, the tumor may press on nearby areas, causing pain or other problems. A plasmacytoma in the throat, for example, can make it difficult to swallow |
Monoclonal
Gammopathy
Of
Undetermined
Significance (MGUS) |
This is actually not a cancer. In this type of plasma cell derangement, there are abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow but there is no cancer. The abnormal plasma cells produce M (Monoclonal) protein that may be found during a routine blood or urine test. In most patients, the amount of M (Monoclonal) protein stays the same and there are no symptoms or problems. In some patients, MGUS may later become a more serious condition, such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia. |
Waldenstrom’s
Macroglobulinemia |
In Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, a.k.a. lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes build up in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. They make too much M protein, which causes the blood to become thick. The lymph nodes, liver, and spleen may become swollen. The thickened blood may cause problems with blood flow in small blood vessels.
This is not a plasma cell cancer, but rather a lymphoma. The DNA of these cells is more closely related to CLL rather than myeloma, but the complications from a high M (Monoclonal) protein can be similar to those with myeloma patients.
Symptoms of macroglobulinemia depend on the part of the body affected. Most patients with macroglobulinemia have no symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
• Feeling very tired
• Headache
• Nosebleeds
• Vision changes such as blurred vision or bulging eyes
• Dizziness
• Pain, tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, fingers, toes or other parts of the body
• Trouble walking
• Confusion
• Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs on the left side
• Painless lumps in the neck, underarm, stomach or groin
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