Clinico-pathological study of multiple myeloma in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A clinico-pathological study of multiple myeloma in Jamaica was undertaken in order to examine the disease pattern in a predominantly negro population of West African origin. During a 10-year period (1957-66) 101 cases of multiple myeloma and 3 cases of solitry plasmocytoma were encountered. This indicates that multiple myeloma is more common in Jamaica than in parts of Africa populated by negroes. The sex incidence was nearly equal, and there was no evidence that the disease occurs earlier in the negro than in white populations. The haematological, biochemical, and radiological findings were similar to those reported from Europe and North America. The majority of patients presented with advanced disease, and the prognosis was very poor. Post mortem findings showed a high incidence of extra-medullary involvement and amyloidosis. (AU)