Amyloidosis
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
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.
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Amyloidosis: Diagnosis and Treatment · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Bone Marrow Tests · National Library of Medicine
- Diagnosis of Amyloidosis · Merck & Co., Inc.
- Free Light Chains · National Library of Medicine
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