Multiple myeloma, also called myeloma, is a rare blood cancer estimated to currently affect around 100,000 people in the United States. This represents approximately 1 percent new cancers in people of European descent and 2% of cancers in people of African descent.
Skin conditions are not typical signs of myeloma, but can occur. The most common signs of myeloma fall under the acronym CRAB:
- VSelevation of alcium
- Rkidney (kidney) failure
- Anemie
- Ba problem
Each of these signs can cause additional problems, some of which can affect your skin.
Read on to learn more about the skin conditions associated with myeloma, when they usually appear, and how they are treated.
Multiple myeloma develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces proteins called antibodies that instruct other cells in your immune system to attack foreign invaders.
Myeloma or treatment for myeloma can cause various skin conditions including rashes, sores, and bumps. Symptoms can develop due to:
- the buildup of plasma cells in your skin
- the buildup of abnormal M protein produced by cancer cells
- medication side effects
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Plasmacytoma
Plasmacytomas are tumors caused by the abnormal growth of your plasma cells. They can develop anywhere in your body, including your skin. Those are the
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A plasmacytoma that grows outside your bone and bone marrow is called an extramedullary plasmacytoma. About
Cutaneous plasmacytomas usually appear as red bumps or patches that can form ulcers or sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is an inflammation of your small blood vessels caused by the breakdown of white blood cells called neutrophils. This is
Symptoms include:
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Autoimmune bullous disease
Autoimmune bullous disease is a group of skin conditions that result from an autoimmune reaction. Although
For example, in a 2018
pyoderma gangrenosum
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare condition that causes large, painful ulcers, usually on the legs. It can develop as a result of an abnormal immune response if you have cancer. It usually develops in
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Bruising and abnormal bleeding
If you have myeloma, you may experience abnormal bleeding or bruising due to a low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help your blood clot after an injury.
Bruising or abnormal bleeding can be among the first symptoms of myeloma.
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia is a
Cryoglobulinemia can be among the first signs of myeloma.
AL amyloidosis
Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a disease in which abnormal proteins called light chains build up in tissues such as the heart, kidneys or skin. These light chains can be produced by your cancerous plasma cells if you have myeloma.
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More than half of the people in the study developed bleeding blisters.
Medication side effects
Some drugs used to treat multiple myeloma, such as Velcade (bortezomib) and Revlimid (lenalidomide), can cause skin side effects such as:
Skin cancer
If you have myeloma, your immune function is impaired, which can increase your risk of second cancer.
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The following gallery shows images of skin conditions associated with multiple myeloma.
Treatment of the underlying myeloma is essential for the treatment of associated skin conditions. Additional treatments may be used to manage symptoms during treatment.
Here are some examples of treatment options.
Certain skin conditions are associated with a poorer outlook for people with myeloma. Half of the people who develop a cutaneous plasmacytoma live
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Here are some frequently asked questions about skin conditions associated with multiple myeloma.
Are skin problems common with multiple myeloma?
Skin problems are not among the most typical signs of multiple myeloma. Cutaneous plasmacytomas are
Does multiple myeloma cause skin discoloration?
Cutaneous plasmacytomas usually present on lighter skin as red bumps or whitish patches that can form ulcers. On
Certain other skin conditions associated with myeloma can cause signs such as ulcers or symptoms such as rashes or redness.
Can multiple myeloma treatment cause itchy skin?
Some drugs used to treat multiple myeloma, such as Velcade (bortezomib) and Revlimid (lenalidomide), can cause itchy skin. A doctor or healthcare professional can help you determine if your medications are contributing to your itching.
Can skin conditions be the first signs of myeloma?
Certain skin conditions such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis can be among the first signs, and frequent bruising or abnormal bleeding can be among the first symptoms of myeloma. It’s a good idea to see a doctor any time you notice changes in your skin that don’t have an obvious cause.
Skin symptoms are not typical of myeloma, but they can occur due to the cancer or its treatment. The most specific sign of myeloma is a tumor made up of plasma cells called a plasmacytoma, although this very rarely occurs in your skin.
A doctor can advise you on how to treat any skin symptoms you develop. Many conditions go away when the underlying myeloma is treated, but medications such as corticosteroids can help manage symptoms.