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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.

Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers

Immune system structures

Antibodies

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.

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