What is a cancer of plasma cells that begins in the bone marrow and interferes with the production of normal blood cells?

• A. Multiple myeloma
• B. Leukemia
• C. Lymphoma
• D. Anemia

Answer: (A)

This description points to a cancer that arises from plasma cells in the bone marrow and crowds out the cells that make normal blood components. In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, disrupting the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These abnormal cells also secrete a monoclonal antibody (M protein) and can cause bone damage, anemia, infections, and other systemic effects. That combination—plasma cells growing in the marrow and impairing normal blood-cell production—fits multiple myeloma best.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues that more broadly affects white blood cells and their precursors. Lymphoma is cancer of lymphocytes that typically involves lymph nodes and the lymphatic system. Anemia is a condition of low red blood cells, not a cancer itself.