Plasma Cell Myeloma- A Bone Cancer? A Blood Cancer?

Multiple myeloma is identified because malignant plasma cells grow uncontrollably producing an antibody, which can be detected as a paraprotein.

If you are reading this page, you may be wondering why multiple myeloma (MM) is sometimes called a blood cancer or a bone cancer and sometimes plasma cell myeloma (PCM). The info below may be more than you want to know about plasma myeloma but since you’re here…

Here we go…

Plasma is the “liquid” portion of our blood and is made mostly of water and some solutes. It makes up approximately 55% of whole blood volume.

Plasma cells are normally found in our blood but in a small amount- say 3-4%. Pre-myeloma (MGUS, SMM) occurs when plasma cells begin to multiply but only up to 10% or so. SPB, MGUS and SMM are referred to as a blood disorder or pre-myeloma because these diagnoses increase the person’s risk of a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Plasma cell myeloma occurs when plasma cells multiply out of control in our bone marrow. A diagnostic test called a bone marrow biopsy identifies the amount of plasma cells in a specific area being tested. Plasma cells produce monoclonal proteins which is a diagnostic marker called our m-spike.

Platelets, together with red blood cells and white blood cells, are the other components in human blood.

So plasma is the liquid component, plasma cells may be normal component or signal pre-myeloma or full myeloma.

MM isn’t really a “bone cancer.” Yes, MM originates in your bone marrow. But MM is really more specific than a bone cancer. MM isn’t even really a blood cancer either.

MM should really be called “plasma cell myeloma” because MM is a cancer of the plasma cells. MM happens when plasma cells reproduce uncontrollably.

Have you been diagnosed with MM? What stage? What symptoms are you experiencing? Bone pain? Anemia (low red blood cells…)? Kidney damage?

Bone health is fundemental to all MMers. Click the link below to access a Bone Health guide:

To Learn More about plasma cells and autologous stem cell transplantation- click now

Thank you,

David Emerson

MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Blood

“Blood is a body fluid in humans and other animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.^[1]

In vertebrates, it is composed of blood cells suspended in blood plasma. Plasma, which constitutes 55% of blood fluid, is mostly water (92% by volume),^[2] and contains dissipated proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide (plasma being the main medium for excretory product transportation), and blood cells themselves..

The blood cells are mainly

red blood cells (also called RBCs or erythrocytes),
white blood cells (also called WBCs or leukocytes) and
platelets (also called thrombocytes).

Multiple myeloma

“Multiple myeloma, also known as PCM, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies.^[5]..”

Plasma cell

“Plasma cells, also called plasma B cells, plasmocytes, plasmacytes, or effector B cells, are white blood cells that secrete large volumes of antibodies. They are transported by the blood plasma and the lymphatic system. Plasma cells originate in the bone marrow;..”

Role in disease

“Plasmacytoma, multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia and PC leukemia are malignant neoplasms (“cancer”) of the plasma cells.^[11] Multiple myeloma is frequently identified because malignant plasma cells continue producing an antibody, which can be detected as a paraprotein.

Common variable immunodeficiency is thought to be due to a problem in the differentiation from lymphocytes to plasma cells. The result is a low serum antibody level and risk of infections.

Primary amyloidosis (AL) is caused by the deposition of excess immunoglobulin light chains which are secreted from plasma cells…”

Kathryn Guillaum says 7 months ago

I can see it in my thoughts but explaining it to my fanily……
So I end up telling them to look it up. All they hear is “cancer”!

Plasma Cells Cause ASCT Relapse? - PeopleBeatingCancer says 7 months ago

[…] Plasma Cell Myeloma- A Bone Cancer? A Blood Cancer? […]

Bill Vanzandt says 3 years ago

I would like a copy of Integrative Therapy Cancer Coaching Guide sent to my email. I have been diagnosed with Plasma Cell Neoplasm. I had a lesion on my rib bone and have a have High Kappa light chains and Kappa/Lamda ratio. I see the Oncologist tomorrow for my 1st appointment.

David Emerson says 3 years ago

Hi Bill-

I replied to your post directly to you via your email address-

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[…] A Bone Cancer? A Blood Cancer? No, it is Plasma Cell Multiple Myeloma- […]

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Chemotherapy Sensitivity Testing- Multiple Myeloma - PeopleBeatingCancer says 5 years ago

MGUS (pre-myeloma) and Kidney Damage - PeopleBeatingCancer says 5 years ago

[…] Is it a Bone Cancer? A Blood Cancer? No, it is Plasma Cell Multiple Myeloma […]

Helen says 6 years ago

This is very insightful. Thanks for sharing this.

David Emerson says 6 years ago

You are welcome Helen.

David

Gevincia says 6 years ago

Just found out I got multiple myeloma. A week ago.My back usually hurts and my blood count low.I think I’m stage2

Hi Gevincia-

I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. However you are putting yourself in the best position possible by learning as much about MM as you can early in your experience.

Bone pain probably indicates some sort of bone involvement. Meaning you have a MM lesion growing in a vertebra. By having a low blood count I assume you mean that you have anemia. This means that MM cells are growing and pushing out your red blood cells. It is red blood cells that carry oxygen and give you energy.

Regarding your bone involvement, you will either have local radiation to kill the bone lesion or undergo induction chemotherapy to hopefully put you into remission (and kill the lesion).

You probably are considering beginning induction therapy. This means that you will undergo a chemo cocktail such as VRd (velcade, revlimid, dexamethasone) which will hopefully bring you into remission.

Your challenge is to 1) reach as full a remission with as little toxicity (chemotherapy) as possible. 2) experience as few side effects as possible and 3) achieve the deepest, longest remission possible.

To achieve the above 3 goals, I will send the Integrative Therapy Cancer Coaching Guide to your gmail account as well as the bone health guide also to the gmail account.

Reading over these two guides will give you an idea of the MM Cancer Coaching Program. There are 13 guides in the MM CC program covering the best of both conventional and non-conventional therapies. Let me know if you are thinking about an autologous stem cell transplant as well.

Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson
MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission

Plasma Cell Myeloma- A Bone Cancer? A Blood Cancer?

Multiple myeloma is identified because malignant plasma cells grow uncontrollably producing an antibody, which can be detected as a paraprotein.

Recommended Reading:

Blood

Multiple myeloma

Plasma cell

Role in disease

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