Pathology
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most commonly diagnosed blood cancer after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Worldwide, it is estimated that 103,000 people were diagnosed with MM in 2008, which represents 12% of all blood cancers diagnosed, according to Cancer Research UK.
MM is a cancer in which plasma cells proliferate uncontrollably and accumulate in the bone marrow. This causes an overproduction of immunoglobulins (antibody proteins) that ultimately crowd out the normal blood-forming cells and prevent them from functioning effectively. The symptoms of MM include bone lesions, anemia and kidney failure. Patients commonly experience bone pain and fractures, with many also experiencing weight loss, fatigue and repeated infections. The exact cause of MM is unknown and a common age for Multiple myeloma diagnosis is around 70 years old. The disease progression is more akin to a chronic condition.