Which symptom is most characteristic of multiple myeloma?

Which symptom is most characteristic of multiple myeloma?

• A. Fever and chills
• B. Bone pain (spine and ribs)
• C. Jaundice only
• D. Priapism

Answer: (B)

Bone pain from osteolytic lesions is the most characteristic sign of multiple myeloma. Malignant plasma cells infiltrate the bone marrow and stimulate osteoclasts while inhibiting osteoblasts, producing holes in the bone that weaken the axial skeleton. This leads to deep, persistent pain, especially in the spine and ribs, and often worsens with movement or activity. While anemia, fatigue, or hypercalcemia can accompany the disease, the classic presenting feature that points most strongly to multiple myeloma is this focal skeletal pain from destructive bone lesions. Fever and chills would suggest infection, jaundice points to liver-related issues, and priapism is not a typical feature of this condition.

Bone pain from osteolytic lesions is the most characteristic sign of multiple myeloma. Malignant plasma cells infiltrate the bone marrow and stimulate osteoclasts while inhibiting osteoblasts, producing holes in the bone that weaken the axial skeleton. This leads to deep, persistent pain, especially in the spine and ribs, and often worsens with movement or activity. While anemia, fatigue, or hypercalcemia can accompany the disease, the classic presenting feature that points most strongly to multiple myeloma is this focal skeletal pain from destructive bone lesions. Fever and chills would suggest infection, jaundice points to liver-related issues, and priapism is not a typical feature of this condition.