title: [Diagnosis of multiple myeloma in primary care. Suspicion with an appropriate clinical history].
abstract: Monoclonal gammopathies are a group of disorders characterized by stable or progressive clonal proliferation of plasma cells producing similar immunoglobulins. Multiple myeloma is characteristic of the presence of bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells, osteolytic lesions, and M component in serum or urine. As cancer cells multiply, they can cause pain and destruction of bone, and if affecting the spine, they can press on nerves causing pain and paresthesias. In patients of advanced age (average 69 years) with bone pain not associated with trauma, and which does not improve with treatment, a differential diagnosis should be performed with multiple myeloma. This should include, at least, a full blood count, biochemistry, total protein, protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, and radiographs of painful areas.
authors.affiliation: Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud Dr. Guigou, Tenerife, España. Electronic address: maralvarezcordoves@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Alvarez-Cordovés
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Mirpuri-Mirpuri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pérez-Monje
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011320:Primary Health Care
keywords: Bifosfonatos; Biphosphonates; Bortezomib; Corticoides; Cortisone; Mieloma; Myeloma