Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a rare but serious haematological malignancy which at any one time affects between 20 000 and 30 000 patients in the UK. Prior to diagnosis, most of these patients present to primary care with non-specific symptoms. A delay in diagnosis is associated with an increase in complications, such as anaemia, bone disease and renal failure. This may have an impact on patients' quality of life as well as their ability to tolerate toxic treatment options. The key steps in primary care are to identify those patients with symptoms suggestive of multiple myeloma, carry out timely investigations and be aware of the appropriate referral pathways. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the GP has a vital role in supporting the patient throughout what is, for most, a chronic debilitating illness.