Multiple myeloma

Question 1

What are plasma cells?

Answer 1

Mature B lymphocytes that produce antibodies

Question 2

What is multiple myeloma?

Answer 2

Cancer of plasma cells

Rouleaux formation cells

Bence-Jones in urine

Question 3

What are the symptoms of myeloma?

Answer 3

C –> Hypercalcaemia
R –> Renal impairment
A –> Anaemia
B –> Bone pain and destruction (fractures, cord compression)
I –> Infection (due to immunosuppression)

Question 4

What are the diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma?

Answer 4

1) High M-protein in serum
2) Excess plasma cells
3) Related organ damage

Asymptomatic multiple myeloma produces no organ damage and is therefore picked up by blood tests.

Question 5

What is MGUS?

Answer 5

Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance.

It is benign and can be considered the pre-malignant stage before myeloma.

Question 6

What is a plasmacytoma?

Answer 6

A localised deposit of plasma cells.

Can be in bony or soft tissue.

Can be found with or without myeloma.

Question 7

How does multiple myeloma causes the break down of bone?

Answer 7

Prevents osteoblasts from making bone
AND
Causes osteoclasts to reabsorb bone

This leads to hypercalcaemia