Myeloid malignancy (Rachel) Flashcards
what is the function of immunoglobulins
recognise and bind to pathogens
attack the pathogen or signal other immune cells
structure of immunoglobulins
Y shape
2 heavy chains
2 light chains
Fab region
variable domain where antigens bind
Fc region
heavy chain part of the immunoglobulin
variable
5 types of heavy chain
gamma (most common) alpha Mu delta epsilon
what type of heavy chain is never seen in myeloma
Mu
IgM
what method do the cells use to determine what light chains to use
random selection - either kappa or lambda
why is there excess light chains in the blood
plasma and B cells make more light chains than heavy chains
what is a paraprotein
monoclonal immunoglobulin (lots of immunoglobulins that are exactly the same, normal blood should have variation)
what is the significance of paraproteins in the blood
means that a plasma or B-cell is causing clonal proliferation
what is monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)
a pre-malignant condition
normal population has low levels of paraproteins in the blood <10%
no symptoms/manifestations
can progress to myeloma
what is myeloma
neoplastic disorder of plasma/b-cells causing paraprotein production
how can myeloma effect the bone marrow
causes bone marrow failure as there is underproduction of all other cells
osteoclastic activity increases
CRAB symptoms of myeloma
hyperCalcaemia
Renal failure
Anaemia
Bone lesions/pain
presentation of myeloma
CRAB symptoms infection neutropenia thrombocytopenia thoracic soft tissue mass
