Etymed
myeloma
Definition
A malignant tumor derived from plasma cells in the bone marrow
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents with bone pain, anemia, and hypercalcemia. Laboratory studies reveal monoclonal protein in his urine and lytic bone lesions on X-ray. Bone marrow biopsy shows malignant plasma cells. This patient has multiple myeloma, a plasma cell malignancy that typically affects older adults and commonly presents with bone pain, anemia, hypercalcemia, and renal impairment.
Mnemonic
M for Multiple, E for Elevated, L for Lytic, Y for Yearning (for bone pain), and M for Monoclonal protein