Far and Few Between: Early Onset Multiple Myeloma in a 26-Year-Old Female
Abdul Wali Khan1, Asad Ali Khan2, Talal Almas3
1Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM), a common hematologic malignancy, is predominantly a disease of old age with a median age at diagnosis hovering around 70 years. Medical literature remains largely bereft of reports of the ailment in young female patients. We chronicle the case of a 26-year-old female patient who presented with a history of fever, weight loss, constipation, frequent infections, and back and chest pain. Laboratory workup divulged underlying anemia, renal impairment, increased calcium, and significant urinary proteins, insinuating a diagnosis of MM. Subsequent bone marrow examination confirmed a diagnosis of MM. Following treatment with a concoction of dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide and bortezomib, the patient improved rapidly, and her clinical symptoms abated. This article further accentuates the need for physicians to be cognizant of the possibility of early-onset MM in unusually young patients.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of multiple myeloma (MM) in a 26-year-old woman. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment led to rapid symptom improvement, highlighting the need for awareness of MM in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy typically diagnosed in older adults, with a median age around 70.
- Reports of MM in young female patients are exceptionally rare in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old female presented with constitutional symptoms including fever, weight loss, constipation, recurrent infections, and pain.
- Initial laboratory findings revealed anemia, renal impairment, hypercalcemia, and significant proteinuria, suggestive of MM.
Findings:
- Bone marrow examination definitively diagnosed multiple myeloma.
- The patient received a combination therapy including dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, and bortezomib.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering early-onset multiple myeloma in younger individuals presenting with suggestive symptoms.
- Increased physician awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of rare MM presentations in young adults.
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