Cancers
of the Immune System
Cells of the immune system, like those of other body systems, can
proliferate uncontrollably; the result is cancer. Leukemias are
caused by the proliferation of white blood cells, or leukocytes.
The uncontrolled growth of antibody-producing (plasma) cells can
lead to multiple myeloma. Cancers of the lymphoid organs, known
as lymphomas, include Hodgkin's disease. These disorders can be
treated-some of them very successfully-by drugs and/or irradiation.
