Multiple Myeloma

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course White Cell and Platelet Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about White Cell and Platelet Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions (online CE course)
Multiple Myeloma

Plasma cells are uncommonly observed in the peripheral blood smear. They are normal constituents of lymph nodes, spleen, connective tissue and bone marrow. The presence of plasma cells in the peripheral blood is indicative of a large number of conditions, mostly related to infections, immune disorders, malignancies, toxic exposures, hypersensitivity reactions and their responses.
Although mature plasma cells have a distinct appearance, they still may be confused morphologically with immature plasma cells and other cells with inclusions, reactive changes or nucleated red bloods cell with altered identities. In the image to the right, a plasma cell is present. The plasma cell has an eccentric immature nucleus, a large Golgi apparatus (paranuclear hof), and a muddy chromatin pattern. Note also clumping and stacking of the erythrocytes, typical of rouleaux formation, implicating an increase in plasma gamma globulin.
Further studies are in order, including a bone marrow examination, where at least 30% of bone marrow cells should be variations of mature and immature plasma cells. Serum protein electrophoresis will reveal a monoclonal globulin spike, and light chains in excess of 1.0 gm/24 hours may be seen in the urine. The presence of lytic bone lesions is a convincing clinical clue. With these findings in combination, a diagnosis of myeloma can be made with assurance.