Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that produce monoclonal immunoglobulin and invade and destroy adjacent bone tissue.

• Leukemia of Plasma cells (B lymph.)
• Hyper gammaglobulinemia
  • leads to thick viscous blood – infarctions, visual difficulties & even blindness.
• Monoclonal antibody – not useful.
• Old age, males common.
• Multiple, punched out Lytic bone lesions (Osteolysis) & fractures.
• Immunodeficiency – infections.
• CRAB

Demographics

65yo

10%-20% of all hematological malignancies

Similar incidence in M vs F

Aetiology

unknown. overproduction of monoclonal protein. transition from asymptomatic precursor state of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) and smoldering myeloma to symptomatic multiple myeloma

Pathophysiology