Question

what are the characteristic features of multiple myeloma (in terms of gross morphology); include pictures

Answer 1

Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahler's disease, is a type of cancer effecting the plasma cells.

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA:

• Pain in the bones, especially spine and ribs which later may lead to pathological fracture or spinal cord compression. Radiographically may be seen as "punched out" lesions.
• Neurological characteristics like weakness,confusion and fatigue may be seen.
• In later stages , carpal tunnel syndrome may be seen,i.e loss in bowel or bladder control.
• Headache, visual changes and retinopathy.
• Anemia is found in such patients. It happens because of the replacement of normal bone marrow cells with tumor cells which in turn inhibits production of red blood cells.
• Prone to infections because multiple myeloma directly affects the plasma cells.
• Renal problems or kidney dysfunction. This happens because myeloma cells produce monoclonal proteins which increase the protein levels in blood. Thus kidneys can be damaged to high levels of protein in blood.
• In advanced stages, frequent bleeding and infections occur.

​​​​​​​