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Multiple myeloma

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

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

Symptoms:

• Bone or back pain
• Unexplained fractures
• Bleeding problems
• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)

Signs and tests:

Blood tests can help diagnose this disease.

• A newer blood test called the Freelite diagnostic assay can be used to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma.
• A blood chemistry test shows increased levels of calcium , total protein , and abnormal kidney function.
• A complete blood count ( CBC ) reveals low hematocrit (anemia) and a low number of red and white blood cells and platelets.
• Serum protein electrophoresis, a test to measure various types of protein part of the blood, is abnormal.

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.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Bone lesion biopsy
• Serum globulin electrophoresis
• Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
• Serum immunoelectrophoresis
• ESR
• Cryoglobulins
• Blood differential
• Ionized calcium
• Protein in urine
• Urine immunofixation
• Urine immunoelectrophoresis
• Calcium in urine
• Bence-Jones protein (quantitative)
• 24-hr urine protein

• Review Date: 9/20/2006
• Reviewed By: Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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