Multiple Myeloma: A Rare Presentation As Unilateral Pleural Effusion

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It commonly presents with bone pain, anemia, renal failure, and hypercalcemia. Pleural effusion in MM usually has multiple causes, but it is rare for the effusion to be due to myelomatous deposition of the pleura. Here, we present a rare case in which the patient presented to the outpatient department with a dry cough, breathlessness, and generalized weakness. The patient was diagnosed with MM with myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE), highlighting the importance of considering MM as a differential diagnosis in patients with atypical presentations. MPE indicates a poor prognosis, and early consideration of MPE can lead to an earlier diagnosis and a more effective treatment of MM.