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multiple myeloma |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Financial, Acronyms, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.04 sec. |
multiple myelomaA malignant proliferation of abnormal plasma cells that populate the marrow-containing bones of the body. The affected plasma cells produce myeloma protein, a monoclonal antibody that replaces normal antibodies in the blood, thereby increasing susceptibility to infection and renal failure. Symptoms include pain, anemia, weakness, infection, a tendency to hemorrhage, shortness of breath, kidney insufficiency, bone fractures, and neurological symptoms. It is considered a progressive and incurable disease; treatments with thalidomide, bone-marrow transplantation, and high-dose chemotherapy may extend life span, although success rates are variable. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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A systemic workup for multiple myeloma included a bone marrow biopsy, bone scan, quantitative immunoglobulin assay, and measurements of hematocrit, white blood cells, blood urea, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes, serum calcium, and Bence Jones proteins in urine. reports that 6 of 16 patients with no outward symptoms of their multiple myeloma improved after treatment with the drug thalidomide. When 33-year-old Brian Novis first felt a twinge of pain in his back, he never suspected a rare form of bone cancer called multiple myeloma was dissolving the bones in his spine. |
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