Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (also known simply as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a presently incurable hematological malignancy of plasma cells, the cells of the immune system that produce antibodies. Although it initially develops in the bone marrow, it spreads to the peripheral blood, lymph nodes and other organs. Its prognosis despite therapy is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms can include: malaise, bone pain, anemia, infections (due to decreased immunity) and fractures (due to breakdown of bone by malignant cells, as well as a tendency to brittle bones){{mn|Kyle|1}}. Often, the diagnosis of multiple myeloma is made incidentally during routine blood tests for other conditions. The antibody that is produced in excess may cause specific medical problems, such as amyloid, acute renal failure and chronic renal failure, polyneuropathy and other disorders.

Related Topics:
Malaise - Anemia - Infection - Fracture - Brittle bones - Blood test - Amyloid - Acute renal failure - Chronic renal failure - Polyneuropathy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A mnemonic doctors use to remember the common tetrad of multiple myeloma is CRAB - C = Calcium (elevated), R =Renal failure, A = Anemia, B = Bone lesions{{mn|IMWG|2}}.

Related Topics:
Mnemonic - Doctors

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~