Unconventional Presentation of Multiple Myeloma: A Case Study

Authors

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells within the bone marrow, often presenting with classic symptoms such as bone pain, anemia, hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, and recurrent infections. As the second most common blood cancer, it represents about 1% of all cancer cases, contributes to 2% of cancer-related deaths, and comprises 12–15% of oncological and hematological disorders. . Renal failure is a significant concern for multiple myeloma patients, often stemming from tubulointerstitial pathology caused by high levels of circulating monoclonal immunoglobulin free light chains. These proteins can induce kidney problems including proximal tubule cell toxicity, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and myeloma kidney (cast nephropathy). Less frequently, elevated free light chains may lead to conditions like immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis and light chain deposition disease, which typically exhibit a slow progression of renal failure rather than acute injury. early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial. This case presents an unusual presentation of multiple myeloma, resulting in a delay in both diagnosis and treatment initiation. It is crucial for clinicians to persist in reporting unusual presentations of multiple myeloma and to view it as a potential diagnosis in patients exhibiting serious and uncommon symptoms.

Keywords:

multiple myeloma, myeloma cast nephropathy, immunoglobulin light chains, hypercalcemia, smoldering multiple myeloma

Published

2026/03/04

Issue

Vol. Volume 7-issue 1

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