Mandibular Swelling as the First Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a monoclonal malignant proliferationof plasma cells. The disease is more frequent in men, andthe average age of patients at the time of diagnosis of thedisease is about 60 years. Solitary myeloma may be the firstmanifestation of the disseminated form of multiple myeloma,which is characterized by multiple skeletal lesions,general metabolic alterations, impairment of renal functionand eventually death.The findings in regards to the present case suggest that oralmanifestations may be the first sign of multiple myeloma. Thismight highlight the important role that a dentist can have inthe early diagnosis of the disease.Iran J Med Sci 2010; 35(4): 331-334.