We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Plasma Cell Dyscrasia?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 21,158
Share

Plasma cell dyscrasia is a cancer of the plasma cells, with multiple myeloma being a well-known example. In patients with this type of cancer, a rogue plasma cell starts reproducing uncontrollably, leading to changes in blood chemistry and causing symptoms like anemia and fatigue. Treatment for plasma cell dyscrasias usually involves chemotherapy to kill the cells and may require a bone marrow transplant to provide the patient with new marrow so she can start producing healthy cells.

These cancers are rare and tend to be most common among people exposed to radiation or hazardous agricultural chemicals. Patients can experience symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, excessive bleeding, and headaches. A doctor can order blood tests and will notice anemia, abnormal levels of blood plasma, and unusually high levels of certain immunoglobulins. These compounds are the products of the rogue cells, and the body has no way to keep them in check.

The doctor can use several blood tests, as well as imaging studies to learn more about what is happening inside the patient's body and to determine what kind of plasma cell dyscrasia the patient has. A pathologist will examine samples from the patient. The first step in treatment is developing an appropriate chemotherapy regimen and seeing how the patient responds. It may be necessary to change drugs or dosages if the patient's cancer does not respond or the patient experiences severe side effects.

With some types of plasma cell dyscrasia, it is also necessary to get a bone marrow transplant. This can be a grueling process for the patient. First, the patient receives radiation therapy to kill all existing bone marrow in the body. This exposes the patient to serious health risks because it essentially shuts down the immune system, and it is usually necessary to stay in the hospital. Then, a doctor can implant donor marrow and wait for it to start producing new blood cells. Sometimes the cancer recurs after marrow transplant, making it necessary to get regular checkups to look for early signs of recurrence.

When a patient receives a plasma cell dyscrasia diagnosis, it can help to discuss the situation with several oncologists. They can discuss different approaches to treatment and how they would handle the case to give the patient an idea of the options available. It is important to consider the pros and cons of different treatments and to be aware that with some kinds of plasma cell dyscrasia treatment, once patients start, they effectively cannot stop without the risk of serious illness.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-plasma-cell-dyscrasia.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.