Pathology · single question
A patient with Multiple Myeloma presents for routine dental treatment. Which finding would you expect in their bone marrow biopsy?
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Correct answer: D. Plasma cells
Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of plasma cells (terminally differentiated B cells). The bone marrow is infiltrated by abnormal plasma cells (>10%) which produce monoclonal immunoglobulins (M-protein). Bone marrow biopsy showing >10–30% plasma cells confirms the diagnosis. These plasma cells produce osteoclast-activating factors, causing punched-out lytic lesions on radiographs. No antibiotic prophylaxis is needed unless immunocompromised.
- A. ❌ Neutrophilia is a reactive response to infection or stress — not characteristic of multiple myeloma.
- B. ❌ Reed-Sternberg cells are the hallmark of Hodgkin lymphoma, not multiple myeloma.
- C. ❌ Eosinophilia is associated with parasitic infections and allergic disorders — not multiple myeloma.
- D. ✅ CORRECT – Multiple myeloma = malignant proliferation of plasma cells in bone marrow, producing M-protein and causing osteolytic bone lesions.