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Published on: July 15, 2015
Multiple Myeloma in an Agricultural Worker Exposed to Pesticides
Elizabeth Packard1, Zainab Shahid2, Andrew Groff1
1Internal Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic disorder characterized by the monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is estimated to account for only 1% of neoplastic diseases, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty about its precise etiology. Common risk factors with a proven association with MM include ionizing radiation exposure, age greater than 65, male gender, and the presence of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).More recently, research has shown that occupational exposures to pesticides also have a significant association with the development of MM. We present the case of an adult male who presented with rib pain, back pain, fevers, and progressive shortness of breath and was ultimately found to have multiple myeloma thought to be associated with occupational exposure to the pesticide captan.
Insights
Multiple myeloma (MM), a rare cancer, may be linked to occupational pesticide exposure. This case study highlights a potential connection between captan exposure and MM development.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy with uncertain etiology.
- Known risk factors include radiation, age, male gender, and monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).
- Emerging research suggests occupational pesticide exposure as a potential risk factor.
Observation:
- A case of an adult male presenting with symptoms including rib pain, back pain, fevers, and shortness of breath.
- The patient had a history of occupational exposure to the pesticide captan.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
- The diagnosis was considered in the context of occupational captan exposure.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for further investigation into the link between pesticide exposure and multiple myeloma.
- Highlights the importance of considering environmental and occupational factors in cancer etiology.
- May inform future occupational safety guidelines and MM prevention strategies.
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