ABSTRACT
Myeloma, the most common malignancy of plasma cells, accounts for about 1% of all malignant diseases and 10% of haematological malignancies.1 It is the result of a clonal proliferation of plasma cells, which produce a homogeneous immunoglobulin fraction detectable in the serum and/or urine. Bone destruction due to the production of osteoclastic factors by the malignant plasma cells is the most characteristic feature of the disease, and bone pain is the predominant presenting symptom. The incidence of bone problems has decreased over the last 30 years.2 This is probably due to more intensive healthcare management and a greater awareness of the disease, with a considerable proportion of patients now being diagnosed during routine investigations. Other presenting symptoms include anaemia, uraemia, recurrent infections, and, less commonly, hypercalcaemia, hyperviscosity, polyneuropathy, spinal cord compression, and amyloidosis.
