Multiple Myeloma Flashcards
What is multiple myeloma?
Blood cancer arising from PLASMA CELLS
What is pathology of multiple myeloma?
MM causes excessive production of PARAPROTEIN (a single type of immunoglobulin)
Why is it referred to as “multiple” myeloma?
It affects several areas of the body:
skull, spine, ribs & pelvis
What age group does multiple myeloma usually present in?
Over the age of 60.
Most commonly diagnosed at 70.
What race has a higher risk of of getting mutiple myeloma?
People of African origin
What percentage of blood cancers does multiple myeloma account for?
15% of blood cancers are MM (this is the most common)
It also accounts for 2% of ALL CANCERS.
What causes the clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma? (2)
As a direct resultant of:
- effect of plasma cells
- effect of paraproteins
What is the median survival time for multiple myeloma?
2/3 years
What are plasma cells?
White blood cells that secrete large volumes of antibodies.
What causes multiple myeloma?
Unknown,
but closely linked to MGUS.
(Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance - Too much of a single antibody with no reason)
What are the bone disease clinical features associated with multiple myeloma?
- Bone pain
- Lytic bone lesions
- Pathological bone fractures
- Hypercalcaemia
How do lytic bone lesions show on an xray?
White areas on x-ray
What signs associated with multiple myeloma suggest bone marrow failure?
- Anaemia (think of breaking bad news case)
- Thrombocytopenia (tendency to bleed)
- Neutropenia (infection recurrence)
What are some symptoms that arise as a direct effect of excessive paraproteins in the system?
- Renal Failure
- Hyperviscosity syndrome
- Amyloidosis
- Hypogammaglobulinaemia
What is the diagnostic investigation for multiple myeloma?
Bone Marrow Aspirate and Biopsy
