Bone Pain in Multiple Myeloma: Timely Referral Key to Better Outcomes

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an uncommon cancer usually afflicting those in their 70s. About 85% of these patients present with bone pain. When presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon, patients usually complain about back pain or bone pain. To differentiate between MM and regular bone pain, three criteria are looked at: the characteristic of the pain—MM-associated pain is persistent even with rest and can sometimes disturb sleep; the site of the pain—usually very generalized and covers entire back; and the patient’s general outlook—MM patients can look extremely unwell and complain of lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and complain of feeling unwell in general.