Bone tumours

Multiple Myeloma  

Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahler’s disease, is a lymphohaematopoietic malignancy and, as such, is technically not regarded as a primary bone tumour. Monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells occurs, resulting in overproduction of monoclonal antibodies. These trigger activation of osteoclasts which, in turn, cause osteolytic lesions throughout the skeleton. The diagnosis can be made through a combination of symptoms (including pain), bone marrow biopsy, serum IgG and IgA levels, antibody levels in the urine, blood values that point to hypercalcaemia, renal insufficiency or anaemia and osseous abnormalities on radiographic imaging.