Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in which a clone of abnormal plasma cells forms tumors in the bone marrow (Berkow, Beers and Fletcher, 1997, 779). They also produce an abnormal amount of antibodies which are found in the blood and urine of patients with the disorder. Plasmacytomas (plasma-cell tumors) occur most frequently in the pelvic bones, spine, ribs and skull. They occasionally develop in none-skeletal tissue such as lung and reproductive organs. These tumors almost always produce large amounts of abnormal antibodies, and the production of normal antibodies is reduced in these patients, making them more prone to infections. Fragments of abnormal antibodies produced by these tumors can accumulate in the kidneys, causing damage and sometimes causing renal failure. Antibody fragments can also be deposited in other organs as well as the kidneys, causing amyloidosis. When abnormal antibodies appear in the urine, they are known as Bence-Jones proteins.
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, and the disease is characterized by sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes (Berkow, Beers and Fletcher, 1997, 919). The virus first invades the lining cells of the nose and throat, then spreads to B lymphocytes. Roughly 50 percent of American children have had Epstein-Barr virus infection by age 5 years, but it is not very contagious. Teenagers and young adults usually catch it by kissing or other intimate contact with an infected person.
Hemophilia A is caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII (Berkow, Beers and Fletcher, 1997, 759). It represents roughly 80 percent of all cases of hemophilia. The disease is genetic, and the degree of severity depends on how much the clotting activity of factor VIII is affected. If it is five percent or less, these people rarely have unprovoked bleeding episodes, and only have problems after surgery or trauma, when it may be fatal. Individual's ...