Myeloma
Myeloma - often called multiple myeloma - is a cancer of B-lymphocytes. These cells, called plasma cells, make antibodies. When they become cancerous they usually produce large amounts of one antibody, called a paraprotein. They also secrete substances which activate cells called osteoclasts, which destroy bones. There are lots of localised areas of bone loss, which show up as holes on x-rays. The bones may break spontaneously (so-called pathological fractures). There may be complications arising from high levels of calcium in the blood stream, or from kidney damage due to the paraprotein.
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