Differential diagnosis

Myeloma is one of several plasma cell disorders characterised by abnormal plasma cell growth, morphology and/or function. Another common feature of these disorders is the presence of abnormal immunoglobulins in the serum.

Other plasma cell disorders may present with symptoms and/or laboratory features similar to those of myeloma. Therefore, they are considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with symptoms or signs of myeloma.  Nurses may not see these conditions frequently, but, if they do, it is important they know how to source information and provide support for their patient.

These disorders, described in more detail in the following sections, include:

• AL amyloidosis
• Solitary plasmacytomas
• Precursor monoclonal gammopathies, including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
• Cryoglobulinaemia
• Plasma cell leukaemia