What type of blood cell is predominantly affected in multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that primarily affects plasma cells, which are a specific type of white blood cell. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies that fight infections and diseases. In multiple myeloma, there is an abnormal proliferation of these cells, leading to an overproduction of a specific type of antibody, known as monoclonal immunoglobulin. This disruption in normal plasma cell function results in various symptoms, including bone pain, anemia, and an increased risk of infections, as the body becomes less effective at producing a diverse range of antibodies.

The disease specifically targets plasma cells, which differentiate from B-lymphocytes, and their malignant transformation is the hallmark of multiple myeloma. This makes understanding the role of plasma cells crucial for diagnosing and managing the disease.

In contrast, while red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets may also be impacted in some capacity due to secondary effects of the disease, the primary pathology in multiple myeloma is centered on the plasma cells. This distinction highlights the specific nature of multiple myeloma's impact on the immune system and hematopoiesis.