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Questions and Answers
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the kidney.
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the kidney.
False
The median age for diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma is between 65 and 74.
The median age for diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma is between 65 and 74.
True
One of the major criteria for diagnosing Multiple Myeloma is the presence of a plasmacytoma on tissue biopsy.
One of the major criteria for diagnosing Multiple Myeloma is the presence of a plasmacytoma on tissue biopsy.
True
Patients with Multiple Myeloma often experience an increase in normal immunoglobulin levels.
Patients with Multiple Myeloma often experience an increase in normal immunoglobulin levels.
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Multiple Myeloma is responsible for approximately 1-2% of all cancer cases.
Multiple Myeloma is responsible for approximately 1-2% of all cancer cases.
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Common clinical symptoms of Multiple Myeloma include weakness and fatigue.
Common clinical symptoms of Multiple Myeloma include weakness and fatigue.
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Hypercalcemia can occur as a complication of Multiple Myeloma.
Hypercalcemia can occur as a complication of Multiple Myeloma.
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A hyperproteinemia condition is indicative of low protein levels in the blood, which is common in Multiple Myeloma.
A hyperproteinemia condition is indicative of low protein levels in the blood, which is common in Multiple Myeloma.
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Rouleaux formation can be seen in peripheral blood smears of patients with Multiple Myeloma.
Rouleaux formation can be seen in peripheral blood smears of patients with Multiple Myeloma.
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Bone marrow plasma cell counts below 10% can help diagnose Multiple Myeloma.
Bone marrow plasma cell counts below 10% can help diagnose Multiple Myeloma.
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Study Notes
Multiple Myeloma - Definition and Incidence
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- Affects around 5,700 people per year in the UK.
- Median age at diagnosis is 72 years old.
Multiple Myeloma - Epidemiology
- Accounts for approximately 1-2% of all cancers.
- Primarily affects older adults, with a median age of diagnosis between 65 and 74 years old.
- Plasma cell dyscrasia: Abnormal production of monoclonal immunoglobulins (proteins)
- Immunoglobulin subtypes: IgG accounts for 50%, IgA for 20-25%.
Multiple Myeloma - Clinical Manifestations
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Plasma cell proliferation:
- Causes multiple osteolytic bone lesions
- Contributes to hypercalcemia (abnormally high calcium levels)
- Leads to bone marrow suppression (pancytopenia)
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Monoclonal M protein:
- Associated with decreased levels of normal immunoglobulins
- May cause hyperviscosity (increased thickness of blood)
Multiple Myeloma - Clinical Symptoms
- Bone pain and pathologic fractures
- Weakness and fatigue
- Serious infections (due to immunosuppression)
- Renal failure
- Bleeding
Multiple Myeloma - Laboratory Tests
- Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) > 100 mm/hr
- Anemia and thrombocytopenia
- Rouleaux formation in peripheral blood smears
- Marrow plasmacytosis > 10-15%
- Hyperproteinemia (increased serum protein levels)
- Hypercalcemia
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
- Uremia (build-up of waste products in the blood)
Diagnostic Criteria for Multiple Myeloma
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Major criteria:*
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Plasmacytoma on tissue biopsy: A tumor of plasma cells in a tissue sample.
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Bone marrow plasma cell count greater than 30%: High proportion of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
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Monoclonal M spike on electrophoresis: Presence of an abnormal protein (M protein) in blood or urine.
- IgG greater than 3.5 g/dL
- IgA greater than 2 g/dL
- Light chain greater than 1 g/dL in 24-hour urine sample
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Minor criteria:*
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Bone marrow plasma cells 10-30%
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M spike present, but less than levels specified for major criteria
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Lytic bone lesions: Holes in the bone caused by myeloma cells
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Other criteria not specified in the provided text.
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Description
This quiz covers the definition, incidence, and epidemiology of Multiple Myeloma, a type of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow. You'll explore clinical manifestations and symptoms associated with this disease, as well as its impact on older adults. Dive in to test your knowledge about this specific cancer and its implications.
