Light chain deposition disease

Technically, light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is not considered a cancer. However, it shares some characteristics with cancer, and can be associated with certain types of cancer.

LCDD is a clonal plasma cell proliferative disorder in which fragments of light chains (parts of antibodies made by plasma cells) multiply uncontrollably and deposit in tissues of the body. In cancer, specific types of entire cells multiply, and may spread into surrounding tissues. Like cancer, the process occurring in LCDD is difficult to stop or slow down, and can ultimately lead to organ damage and failure.

LCDD is associated with multiple myeloma in many cases. Multiple myeloma is a cancer due to malignant plasma cells, which are the same type of cells involved in LCDD. A person may first have LCDD and then develop multiple myeloma, or they may both be found to be present when a person is first diagnosed. LCDD can also be associated with lymphoma.^[1]