C90.1: Plasma cell leukaemia

Plasma cell leukemia is a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer which originates from the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. It's characterised by a high count of plasma cells in the bloodstream. These abnormal cells tend to overcrowd healthy cells, resulting in debilitating symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, frequent infections, kidney problems, and bone pain. The disease can also cause blood clotting issues leading to bruising and excessive bleeding. Progression of plasma cell leukemia is usually swift, making early detection critical. It directly affects the blood and immune system, compromising the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. It's worth noting that this condition is not contagious. The exact causes are unclear but it usually affects older adults and is more common in males than females. Plasma cell leukemia often progresses from a pre-existing condition called multiple myeloma.