Multiple Myeloma
Original Editors - Jill Jones from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
Multiple myeloma is a primary malignant neoplasm, or cancer, caused by uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The excessive growth of plasma cells that originate in the bone marrow destroys bone tissue and is associated with widespread osteolytic lesions (decreased areas of bone density) [1][2].
According to Goodman and Fuller, tumors of this type initially affect the bones and bone marrow of the vertebrae, ribs, skull, pelvis, and femur. These regions are most often affected because of their high concentrations of bone marrow. The progression of this disease can cause damage to the kidney, lead to recurrent infections, and often affects the nervous system [2]. To date, multiple myeloma is an incurable disease with a poor prognosis. Most individuals die within 1 to 3 years after the diagnosis is made [1].
FDG PET scan of a patient with multiple myeloma with severe diffuse and focal disease [3]
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
· Annual incidence of approximately 16,570 cases of the multiple myeloma in the United States<o:p></o:p>
· 11,310 deaths from multiple myeloma in the United States in 2006<o:p></o:p>
· Occurs less often than the most common cancers (e.g. breast, lung, or colon)<o:p></o:p>
· Disease can develop at any age, but most commonly seen in persons between the ages of 50 and 70 years<o:p></o:p>
o Median age of diagnosis is 69 years for men and 71 years for women<o:p></o:p>
o Only 5% of clients with multiple myeloma are younger than 40 years old<o:p></o:p>
· Multiple myeloma is more common in men and African Americans [1][2]<o:p></o:p>
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
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Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Goodman C, Fuller K. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2009.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Goodman C, Snyder T. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
- ↑ 6. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences website. 2010. Available at: http://www.uams.edu/radiology/info/clinical/pet/images.asp. Accessed March 1, 2010.
