Multiple Myeloma Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals

Cellular Classification

Diseases associated with an M-protein included in this presentation are:

  1. Asymptomatic plasma cell neoplasia with minimal evidence of disease aside

     from the presence of an M-protein (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined

     significance, or MGUS).1



  2. Symptomatic plasma cell neoplasia

       a. primarily affecting bones

            i. multiple myeloma                            94%

           ii. solitary plasmacytoma                    3%

       b. extramedullary plasmacytoma         3%

          These usually occur in the nasopharynx, tonsils, or paranasal

          sinuses.2



  3. Macroglobulinemia.  Patients often have lymphadenopathy and

     hepatosplenomegaly; less than 5% have lytic bone lesions.

       a. asymptomatic

       b. symptomatic 3

References:

1. Blade J, Kyle RA: Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance. In: Malpas JS, Bergsagel DE, Kyle RA, et al. eds.: Myeloma: Biology and Management. 2nd ed., Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1998, pp 513-544.
2. Knowling MA, Harwood AR, Bergsagel DE: Comparison of extramedullary plasmacytomas with solitary and multiple plasma cell tumors of bone. Journal of Clinical Oncology 1(4): 255-262, 1983.
3. Kyle RA, Garton JP: The spectrum of IgM monoclonal gammopathy in 430 cases. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 62(8): 719-731, 1987.

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