Myeloma and leukemia are both cancers that originate in the bone marrow, but they affect different types of blood cells. According to the provided reference, leukemia begins in the bone marrow, producing abnormal leukocytes (white blood cells), whereas multiple myeloma develops in the bone marrow, producing abnormal plasma cells. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Key Differences Between Myeloma and Leukemia
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Leukemia | Multiple Myeloma |
|---|---|---|
| Affected Cell | Leukocytes (White Blood Cells) | Plasma Cells |
| Origin | Bone Marrow | Bone Marrow |
| Primary Effect | Abnormal white blood cell production; impaired immunity | Abnormal plasma cell production; impaired immunity |
| Impact | Increased risk of infection, anemia, bleeding | Bone damage, kidney problems, anemia |
Leukemia Explained
Leukemia involves the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. These cells don't function properly and crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to:
- Increased risk of infection: Due to the dysfunctional white blood cells.
- Anemia: Lack of red blood cells.
- Bleeding: Low platelet count.
There are different types of leukemia, classified by how quickly they progress (acute or chronic) and the type of white blood cell affected (lymphocytic or myeloid).
Multiple Myeloma Explained
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and produce abnormal antibodies (called monoclonal proteins or M-proteins). This can lead to:
- Bone damage: Myeloma cells can weaken bones, leading to fractures.
- Kidney problems: M-proteins can damage the kidneys.
- Anemia: Due to the crowding out of normal blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Impaired Immunity: Because normal antibody production is disrupted.
Summary
In essence, leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells, while multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells, both originating within the bone marrow but impacting different components of the immune system and leading to distinct complications.
