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Pathology · single question

MULTIPLE MYELOMA CASE: A patient with multiple myeloma undergoes a biopsy. Which cell type is involved in this condition?

  1. Plasma cells
  2. Ghost cells
  3. Neutrophils
  4. T lymphocytes
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Correct answer: A. Plasma cells

Multiple Myeloma is a malignant neoplasm of PLASMA CELLS (terminally differentiated B lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. These malignant plasma cells produce excessive monoclonal immunoglobulins (M-protein/paraprotein) detected in blood/urine (Bence Jones proteins). The radiographic hallmark is multiple 'punched-out' radiolucencies (no surrounding sclerosis) throughout the skeleton, including the jaw bones.
  • A. Incorrect. T lymphocytes are involved in cell-mediated immunity and T-cell lymphomas — not multiple myeloma.
  • B. CORRECT. Multiple myeloma is a clonal plasma cell malignancy — plasma cells are the diagnostic cell type.
  • C. Incorrect. Ghost cells are characteristic of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (Gorlin cyst) — not multiple myeloma.
  • D. Incorrect. Neutrophils are the primary cells in acute bacterial infections and exudate — not multiple myeloma.

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