Multiple myeloma - Symptom
Alternative Names
Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone; Myeloma - multiple
Symptoms:
- Bleeding problems
- Bone or back pain
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)
- Unexplained fractures
Signs and tests:
Blood tests can help diagnose this disease. They may include:
- Blood chemistry (CHEM 20) 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 protein electropheresis (SPEP)
- Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) or Bence-Jones protein analysis
- Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
Bone x-rays show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.
- Reviewed last on: 2/12/2009
- 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.
References
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Multiple Myeloma. National Comprehensive Cancer Network; 2009. Version 2.2009.
Rajkumar S, Kyle R. Plasma cell disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 198.