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Multiple Myeloma Center - Iowa City, IA

Iowa City 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 Iowa City *

University of Iowa Health Care
Gerald H Clamon
200 Hawkins Dr
Internal Medicine Dept STE STE C-32 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 356-1932

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mark W Karwal
200 Hawkins Dr
STE 5977
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 353-7900

Iowa City, Iowa

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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 Iowa City

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Iowa City Hospitals *

Mercy Hospital Iowa City
500 E Market St
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)339-0300

Iowa City VA Medical Center
601 Highway 6 W
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319)338-0581

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Dr
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319)356-1616

Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids
701 Tenth St SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319)398-6011

St Luke's Hospital
1026 A Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319)369-7211

Washington County Hospital
400 E Polk St
Washington, IA 52353
(319)653-5481

Unity Hospital
1518 Mulberry Ave
Muscatine, IA 52761
(563)264-9100

Marengo Memorial Hospital
300 W May St
Marengo, IA 52301
(319)642-5543

Jones Regional Medical Center
1795 Highway 64 E
Anamosa, IA 52205
(319)462-6131

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