Myeloma

Question 1

what is myeloma?

Answer 1

plasma cell malignancy!

Question 2

what happens in myeloma ?

Answer 2

one type of antibody is over produced due to a plasma cell clone which has uncontrollably replicated

Question 3

what type of protein is produced in myeloma and why is it bad?

Answer 3

paraprotein is produced

causes kidney damage, amyloid deposition, immune suppression and hyperviscosity

Question 4

describe the bone disease which occurs in myeloma and the consquences?

Answer 4

lytic bone disease where osteoblasts are supressed but osteoclasts are activated so more bone resorption takes place.

ends up with increased calcium

Question 5

what is the most common type of myeloma ( what antibody is produced?)

Answer 5

IgG

IgA is second most common

Question 6

name the signs and symptoms you may get in myeloma

Answer 6

hypercalcaemia- stone, groans, moans, sore bones, thirst, confusion

renal failure- sob, fatigue, itch, cramps, eight loss, oedema

anaemia and thrombocytopenia and neutropenia (their signs for these)

bone lesions- pain in spins and ribs especially

Question 7

name the investigations you would like to do?

Answer 7

blood count and film
U&E
ESR
protein electrophoresis - detect paraprotein
imaging
bone marrow biopsy

Question 8

what is the treatment

Answer 8

chemo!

if under 65 they might also think about a stem cell transplant