Multiple myeloma is a cancer in which abnormal cells called myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and form tumors. If only one single tumor forms within the bone this is referred to as a plasmacytoma. Multiple myeloma occurs when these cells collect in multiple bones and forming more than one tumor. This type of disease generally affects patients above the age of 60. Symptoms may include back pain and kidney dysfunction. MRI scans are utilized for diagnosing multiple myeloma. Typical multiple myeloma appearance is low signal intensity on a T1 weighted image. On a T2 weighted image signal intensity is high. Multiple myeloma lesions some what enhance post injection of gadolinium injections. Mulitple myeloma may present in MRI's as other musculosketal tumors so other blood tests and or bone marrow aspirations will have to be utilized for proper diagnosis. Treatment may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma are dependant upon success of treatment and how extensive the disease has progressed.
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