Friday, February, 10, 2012

Multiple myeloma

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone; Myeloma - multiple


Symptoms
  • Bleeding problems
  • Bone or back pain, most often in the ribs or back
  • Fevers without any other cause
  • Increased susceptibility to infection
  • Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)
  • Unexplained fractures
  • Weakness of the arms or legs

Signs and tests

Blood tests can help diagnose this disease. They may include:

  • Blood chemistry may show increased levels of calcium, total protein, and abnormal kidney function
  • Complete blood count (CBC) reveals low numbers of red and white blood cells and platelets
  • Serum beta 2 microglobulin level
  • Serum immunofixation electrophoresis
  • Urine immunofixation electrophoresis
  • Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)
  • Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) or Bence-Jones protein analysis
  • Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
  • Serum free light chain measurements

Bone x-rays may show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.

Bone density testing may show bone loss.


Review Date: 03/02/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)