Page 463 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

VetBooks.ir Myelomas

If a B cell turns cancerous it may generate a clone of
immunoglobulin-producing tumor cells. These cells are usually

recognizable as plasma cells (Fig. 15.20). Plasma cell tumors are
called myelomas or plasmacytomas. Because myelomas arise from a
single precursor cell or clone, they secrete a homogeneous
immunoglobulin called a myeloma protein. On serum
electrophoresis, this homogeneous myeloma protein will appear as

a sharp, well-defined peak. This is called a monoclonal
gammopathy (Fig. 15.21).

FIG. 15.20 A section of a myeloma tumor mass in a dog. Original
magnification ×600. These cells are clearly plasma cells. (Courtesy Dr.
B. Porter.)

463