How does multiple myeloma effect the immune system?
The immune system is composed of several types of cells that work together to fight off infections and other diseases. Lymphocytes (lymph cells) are the main cell type of the immune system. There are two types of lymphocytes: T-cells and B-cells. When B-cells respond to an infection, they mature and change into plasma cells. Plasma cells produce and release proteins called immunoglobins (antibodies) to attack and help kill disease-causing germs such as bacteria. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are an important part of the immune system. When plasma cells grow out of control they can produce a tumor. These tumors can grow in several sites, particularly in the soft middle parts of bone called the bone marrow. When these tumors grow in multiple sites they are referred to as multiple myeloma. How common is multiple myeloma? Approximately 13,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma a year. What are the symptoms of multiple mye
