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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/amyloidosis.html
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Summary
Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloids build up and form deposits. The deposits can collect in organs such as the kidney and heart. This can cause the organs to become stiff and unable to work the way they should.
There are three main types of amyloidosis:
- Primary - with no known cause
- Secondary - caused by another disease, including some types of cancer
- Familial - passed down through genes
Symptoms can vary, depending upon which organs are affected. Treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis you have. The goal is to help with symptoms and limit the production of proteins. If another disease is the cause, it needs to be treated.
Diagnosis and Tests
- Bone Marrow Test (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
- Free Light Chains (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- AL Amyloidosis and Agent Orange (Department of Veterans Affairs)
- General Information about Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Cardiac Amyloidosis (American Heart Association)
Genetics
- Hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy: MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)
- Lattice corneal dystrophy type II: MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)
- Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis: MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)
- Transthyretin amyloidosis: MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Amyloidosis (National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Patient Handouts
- Cardiac amyloidosis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Hereditary amyloidosis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Primary amyloidosis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Secondary systemic amyloidosis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.