Gammopathy
Gammopathy
Gammopathy (pronunciation: /ɡæmˈɒpəθi/) is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal production of gamma globulins in the blood.
Etymology
The term 'Gammopathy' is derived from the Greek words 'gamma', which refers to the third letter of the Greek alphabet, and 'pathos', which means disease.
Definition
Gammopathy is a disorder of the plasma cells in the bone marrow that results in the overproduction of a specific type of protein, known as gamma globulins. These proteins are a type of immunoglobulin (antibody) and play a crucial role in the body's immune response.
Types of Gammopathy
There are several types of gammopathy, including:
- Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): This is a condition in which an abnormal protein (M protein) is found in the blood during standard laboratory tests.
- Multiple Myeloma: This is a type of blood cancer that occurs when malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and produce abnormal proteins.
- Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: This is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by abnormal levels of an antibody called macroglobulin.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gammopathy can vary widely depending on the specific type of gammopathy and the individual patient. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may experience symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, and recurrent infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of gammopathy typically involves blood tests to measure the levels of gamma globulins and other proteins in the blood. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may also be required.
Treatment
Treatment for gammopathy depends on the specific type of gammopathy and the severity of the patient's symptoms. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation.
Related Terms
- Plasma Cell
- Gamma Globulins
- Immunoglobulin
- Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
- Multiple Myeloma
- Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Stem Cell Transplantation
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gammopathy
- Wikipedia's article - Gammopathy
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