myeloma
Last reviewed 09/2022
Several types of plasma cell neoplasms can be seen all of which are associated with a monoclonal (or myeloma) protein (M protein) (1). They include:
- monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or asymptomatic myeloma
- patients are asymptomatic
- follow up is needed due to the risk of progressing to a symptomatic disease
- solitary myeloma or solitary plasmocytoma
- uncommon, accounts for ≤5% of all plasma cell neoplasms
- is a localised disease which consists of a solitary neoplastic mass of plasma cells found in bone or some soft tissue site
- can be subdivided into
- isolated plasmacytoma of the bone
- extramedullary plasmacytoma (1,2)
- multiple myeloma
- the most common form
- is a disseminated neoplasm characterised by multiple neoplastic tumor masses of plasma cells, haphazardly scattered throughout the skeletal system and sometimes in soft tissues.
Reference: