Background. Multiple myeloma is a multi -stage disease characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of monoclonal plasma cells that produce monoclonal immunoglobulin or its fragments. Diagnosis of multiple myeloma is often hampered since it can occur in one or several clinical forms such as: bone pain, systemic symptoms like unexplained anemia, symptomatic or discovered accidentally hypercalcemia and symptoms of kidney failure. Material and methods, Conducting an analysis of the history of disease in 5 patients, who were admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine with unexplained symptoms, previously treated with ambulatory care, such as: back pain (patient No 1 and No 2), hypercalcemia, and renal failure (patient No 3 and No 4) and anemia (patient No 5). Results. In all patients, except for patient No 3, anaemia occurred (hemoglobin of less than 1 g/dl). Patient No 5 experienced a life -threatening anaemia (Hb < 6.5 00, which was the leading cause of his hospitalization. Creatinine above 1.9 mg/dl, which may indicate kidney failure, was observed in patient No 3. Hypercalcemia (Ca levels above 2.55 mrrK)Illthe reference levels) was observed in patients No 1, 2, 3. The X-ray of patients No 1, 2, 3 and No 5 showed osteolytic lesions typical to myeloma. Conclusions. There is a need to broaden the knowledge of general practitioners on the symptomatology of multiple myeloma and its characteristic image which can be revealed by additional tests. This will streamline the diagnostic process and enable faster selection of patients with definite or probable symptoms of multiple myeloma.
