Plasma cell neoplasms including multiple myeloma (MM) and related terminally differentiated B-cell neoplasms are characterized by secretion of monoclonal immunoglobulin and stepwise development from a preneoplastic clonal B and/or plasma cell proliferation called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Diagnosis of these disorders requires integration of clinical, laboratory, and morphological features.
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Diagnostic Criteria for Plasma Cell Myeloma (PCM)
The definition of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) has rested on identifying clinical and laboratory features that predict when a sufficient burden of plasma cells has accumulated that the patient will benefit from treatment.
Staging and Risk Stratification of Germ-Cell Tumors
Germ cell tumours of the testis are the commonest malignancy in men aged 20-40 years. Considerable therapeutic improvements in management—based on the cancer’s responsiveness to chemotherapy that contains platinum—mean that over 95% of these patients can now expect to be cured.
Guidelines for the Clinical Use of Red Cell Transfusions
The red blood cell transfusions should not be dictated by a single hemoglobin “trigger” but instead should be based on the patient’s risks of developing complications of inadequate oxygenation. Red blood cell transfusion is rarely indicated when the hemoglobin concentration is greater than 10 g/dL and is almost always indicated when it is less than 6 g/dL.