myeloma

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myeloma (multiple myeloma, myelomatosis) (my-ĕ-loh-mă) n. a malignant disease of the bone marrow, characterized by two or more of the following: (1) the presence of an excess of abnormal malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow; (2) lytic deposits in the bones, giving the appearance of holes on X-ray; (3) the presence in the serum of an abnormal gammaglobulin, usually IgG. The patient may complain of tiredness due to anaemia and of bone pain and may develop pathological fractures. Treatment is usually with drugs, such as melphalan or cyclophosphamide, with local radiotherapy to particular areas of pain. See also plasmacytoma.

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