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Multiple Myeloma Center - Anchorage, AK

Anchorage Oncologist Doctors for Multiple Myeloma

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Oncologist Doctors in Anchorage *

Katmai Oncology Group
Dennis D Beckworth
3851 Piper St
STE U-340
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 562-0321

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is a consolidated city-borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Anchorage has been named All-America City four times, in 1956, 1965, 1984/85, and 2002, by the National Civic League. It has also been named by Kiplinger as the most tax friendly city in the United States.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorage)

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Multiple Myeloma

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer. Cancer is a group of many related diseases. Myeloma is a cancer that starts in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. It's the most common type of plasma cell cancer.

Normal blood cells

Most blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of most bones.

Stem cells mature into different types of blood cells. Each type has a special job:

  • White blood cells help fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells.
  • Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
  • Platelets help form blood clots that control bleeding.

Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies. Antibodies are part of the immune system. They work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. Each type of plasma cell makes a different antibody.

Myeloma cells

Myeloma, like other cancers, begins in cells. In cancer, new cells form when the body doesn't need them, and old or damaged cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. These abnormal plasma cells are called myeloma cells.

In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow. They may damage the solid part of the bone. When myeloma cells collect in several of your bones, the disease is called "multiple myeloma." This disease may also harm other tissues and organs, such as the kidneys.

Myeloma cells make antibodies called M proteins and other proteins. These proteins can collec...

Recommended Reading Related to Multiple Myeloma

Hematocrit »

What is the hematocrit?

The hematocrit is the proportion, by volume, of the blood that consists of red blood cells. The hematocrit (hct) is expressed as a percentage. For example, an hematocrit of 25% means that there are 25 milliliters of red blood cells in 100 milliliters of blood.

How is the hematocrit measured?

The hematocrit is typically measured from a blood sample by an automated machine that makes several other measurements at the same time. Most of these machines in fact do not directly measure the hematocrit, but instead calculate it based on the determination of the amount of hemoglobin and the average volume of the red blood cells. The hematocrit can also be determined by a manual method using a centrifuge. When a tube of blood is centrifuged, the red cells will be packed into the bottom of the tube. The proportion of red cells to the total blood volume can be visually measured.

What is a normal ...

Emergency Contact for Anchorage

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police (808) 529-3111
  • Fire (808) 723-7139

Nearby Anchorage Hospitals *

North Star Behavioral Health System
2530 DeBarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)258-7575

Alaska Regional Hospital
2801 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)276-1131

Alaska VA Healthcare System
2925 DeBarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)257-4700

Alaska Psychiatric Institute
2800 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)269-7100

Children's Hospital at Providence
3200 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)261-3130

Providence Alaska Medical Center
3200 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)562-2211

Alaska Native Medical Center
4315 Diplomacy Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)563-2662

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
2500 S Woodworth Loop
Palmer, AK 99645
(907)861-6000

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