In rare cases, multiple myeloma may lead to skin conditions, including plasmacytoma, pyoderma gangrenosum, and skin cancer, among others.
Multiple myeloma develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These produce proteins called antibodies that tell other cells in your immune system to attack foreign invaders.
The most common signs of multiple myeloma fall under the acronym CRAB:
- Calcium elevation
- Renal (kidney) failure
- Anemia
- Bone problems
However, in rare cases, multiple myeloma
- the accumulation of plasma cells in your skin
- the buildup of abnormal M protein produced by cancer cells
- medication side effects
Research shows that less than
Read on to learn more about the skin conditions associated with multiple myeloma, when they usually appear, and how they’re treated.
Plasmacytomas are tumors caused by the abnormal growth of plasma cells. They can develop anywhere in your body, including your skin. They’re the
A plasmacytoma that grows outside of your bone and bone marrow is called an extramedullary plasmacytoma. About
DermNet reports that 2–4% of people with extramedullary plasmacytoma may experience skin manifestations. These may present as red, dome-shaped bumps or plaques that may also form ulcers.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is inflammation of your small blood vessels. It’s caused by the breakdown of white blood cells called neutrophils.
It’s very rare to develop this condition if you have multiple myeloma. That said, a
Symptoms may include:
- raised lesions, known as palpable purpura
- itchiness, pain, or burning
- red spots
- fever
- muscle weakness
Autoimmune bullous disease is a group of skin conditions that result from an autoimmune reaction.
It’s very uncommon for multiple myeloma to develop into this condition.
However, in a different
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare condition that causes large, painful ulcers, usually on your legs. It can develop because of an abnormal immune response if you have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease.
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If you have multiple myeloma, you may experience bruising or abnormal bleeding, such as:
- nosebleeds
- heavy periods
- bleeding gums
This is due to a low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help your blood clot after an injury.
Cryoglobulinemia is a
It occurs when myeloma cells produce cryoglobulin, or proteins that clump together at temperatures below your normal body temperature.
Cryoglobulinemia can be among the first signs of multiple myeloma.
Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a disease where abnormal proteins called light chains build up in tissue such as that in your heart, kidneys, or skin. Cancerous plasma cells may produce these light chains if you have multiple myeloma.
In a 2019 study, researchers identified AL amyloidosis in the skin of 32 people with multiple myeloma. About two-thirds of the participants with AL amyloidosis were female. The research also indicated that the condition was associated with a poor outlook.
More than half of the people in the study developed bleeding blisters.
If you have multiple myeloma, you have impaired immune function, which may increase your risk of secondary cancer.
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Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer associated with multiple myeloma.
The following gallery shows images of skin conditions associated with multiple myeloma.
Treating the underlying myeloma is critical for treating associated skin conditions. Additional treatments may be used to manage symptoms while undergoing treatment.
Here are a few examples of treatment options.
| Condition | Example treatment |
| plasmacytoma | • radiation therapy • surgery |
| leukocytoclastic vasculitis | • medications • home remedies, such as ice packs, compression, and emollients |
| autoimmune bullous disease | • oral or topical corticosteroids |
| pyoderma gangrenosum | • strict wound care • topical or oral corticosteroids • antibiotics |
| bruising or bleeding | • blood or platelet transfusion |
| cryoglobulinemia | • corticosteroids |
| • chemotherapy • targeted therapy | |
| medication side effects | • changing medications or doses |
| skin cancer | • surgery • topical chemotherapy • cryotherapy |
Your outlook will depend on several factors, such as your overall health, age, and underlying health conditions.
Some skin conditions are associated with a poorer outlook for people with multiple myeloma.
For example, half of people who develop skin plasmacytoma live
Speak with a healthcare professional if you receive a diagnosis of a skin condition along with multiple myeloma. They could provide an outlook based on your health situation.
Does multiple myeloma cause skin rashes?
Multiple myeloma may sometimes affect your skin and cause rashes, itchiness, or bruising. However, skin issues aren’t among the most typical signs of multiple myeloma.
What does a cancer rash look like?
Skin cancer may sometimes cause a rash on your skin, which may be red, bumpy, scaly, and itchy. That said, skin cancer may manifest in many different ways. The
What does a Revlimid rash look like?
Revlimid is the brand name for lenalidomide, a medication used to help treat multiple myeloma. It may cause a skin rash that’s dry, itchy, and inflamed in 10% or more of people receiving Revlimid therapy. In most cases, the rash will disappear once treatment is complete.
Skin-related symptoms aren’t typical of multiple myeloma, but they can occur due to the cancer or its treatment.
The most specific sign of multiple myeloma is a tumor made up of plasma cells called a plasmacytoma, although these very rarely occur in your skin.
A doctor can advise you on how to treat any skin-related symptoms you develop. Many conditions resolve when the underlying myeloma is treated, but medications such as corticosteroids may help manage symptoms.