Cutaneous involvement in multiple myeloma (MM): A case series with clinicopathologic correlation

Disease-specific skin lesions are rare in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Objective We sought to further characterize the clinical and pathologic features of patients with cutaneous involvement with MM. Methods We identified 13 patients with cutaneous lesions of MM. Results Cutaneous lesions consisted of pink, red, and violaceous papules, nodules, and/or plaques that varied in size. Histopathology revealed atypical plasma cells with occasional plasmablastic features. MM had aggressive biologic features and was at an advanced stage in the majority of patients. Despite aggressive management, including chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation, most patients died of progressive disease within a few months after the development of cutaneous lesions. Limitations The study group was relatively small. Conclusions Cutaneous involvement with MM is associated with aggressive biologic behavior and short survival.