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Multiple myeloma

Alternative Names: Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone 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: A bone marrow biopsy is performed. Serum protein electrophoresis is abnormal. Bone x-rays show fractures, hollowed out bone lesions. Chemistry profile shows increased serum calcium, total protein, and abnormal kidney function. Complete blood count (CBC) reveals low hematocrit (anemia), low red blood cell count (RBC), low platelets, and low white blood cell count (WBC). This disease may also alter the results of the following tests: Bone lesion biopsy T-lymphocyte count Serum globulin electrophoresis Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry) Serum immunoelectrophoresis ESR Febrile-cold agglutinins Cryoglobulins Blood differential Ionized calcium Protein in urine Urine immunofixation Urine immunoelectrophoresis Calcium in urine Bence-Jones protein (quantitative) 24-hr urine protein

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