Paraproteinemia and multiple myeloma
Outpatients | Haematology (including oncological disorders)This condition is treated in the Haematology (including oncological disorders) clinic.
Pre-referral work-up
History
The diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires the presence of a malignant plasma cell population (evidenced on bone marrow biopsy or plasmacytoma) AND demonstrable end-organ dysfunction
All referrals should comply to referral standards referral standards and include in particular:
- Relevant investigations, including previous results to assess temporal pattern
- Evidence of end-organ damage
Tests
- Calcium
- Renal function
- FBE
- Xray of areas of suspicion
- Consider bone scan
Interim/GP management
To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Haematology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.
In the presence of a paraprotein, assessment for end-organ dysfunction (CRAB - see below) is critical in the diagnostic algorithm, and the following assessments should be enclosed:
- C - Hypercalcaemia
- R - Renal impairment (without other cause)
- A - Anaemia/other cytopenia (without other cause)
- B - Bone lesions (lytic lesions, pathological fracture, unexplained osteoporosis)
For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.
Clinic appointments
🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.
Emergency
🚩 Suspected spinal cord compression (pain and neurological symptoms) in a patient with known or suspected multiple myeloma.
🚩 Impending pathological fracture (radiologically identified) in a patient with known or suspected Multiple Myeloma
🚩 Significant hypercalcaemia over 2.9 mmol/L
If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.
Availability
North
Launceston General Hospital
Level 1 - W.P. Holman Clinic
Phone: 03 6777 6140
Fax: 03 6331 6371
North West
North West Regional Hospital > Mersey Community Hospital
Torquay Road Latrobe TAS 7307
South
Royal Hobart Hospital (Level 1 - A Block)
Phone (appointments): 03 6166 6655
Phone (clinic nurses): 03 6166 6637
Fax: 03 6173 0484