1800 Williams St., Suite 200 • Denver, CO 80218
Phone 303-388-4876 • Fax 303-336-2193 • Toll Free 1-800-891-7622

URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/news/Early-multiple-myeloma-diagnosis-and-patient-referral-to-oncologist-recommended-1293.html

Early multiple myeloma diagnosis and patient referral to oncologist recommended

07-07-2006

Multiple myeloma patients are left with a delayed diagnosis and poor symptom control if they are not referred to oncology specialists early.

Researchers in the United States conducted a study "to review the presenting signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma, its pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options. A literature review of research articles and publications by oncology experts who specialize in multiple myeloma, supplemented by a case study [was conducted]."

"Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the geriatric population, with the average age at diagnosis between 65 and 68 years. As the population of those over age 65 is predicted to double by the year 2050, the incidence of myeloma is expected to increase," explained C. Dvorak and colleagues, University Hospital of Cleveland. "Nurse practitioners (NPs) must become familiar with the signs, symptoms, and complications of myeloma for patients to be diagnosed and referred to specialists in a timely manner.

"Patients with multiple myeloma often present with vague, common symptoms such as back pain, bony pain, fatigue, and anemia. These symptoms may be treated as separate medical conditions if NPs fail to include multiple myeloma in their differential diagnosis. If NPs are educated on this malignancy, they will have the expertise to look for other signs of the disease such as hypercalcemia, pathological fractures, osteopenia, or renal failure.

The researchers concluded, "Without early recognition of multiple myeloma and referrals to oncology specialists, patients are left with a delayed diagnosis and poor symptom control."

Dvorak and colleagues published their study in the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (Common complaints, difficult diagnosis: Multiple myeloma. J Am Acad Nurse Pract, 2006;18(5):190-194).

For additional information, contact C. Dvorak, University Hospital of Cleveland, Hematology Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant Division, 6970 Carriage Hill Dr. 102, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: Brecksville, Ohio, United States, Cancer, Diagnostics, Differential Diagnosis, Endocrinology, Geriatrics, Hypercalcemia, Healthcare, Patient Care, Multiple Myeloma, Nurse Practitioner, Oncology, Referral.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.