Study design: Presented is a case report of a 16-year clinical course of a patient with a multiple myeloma of the third cervical vertebra.
Objective: To describe a rare 16-year follow-up of a cervical multiple myeloma lesion that forced several surgical interventions.
Summary of background data: Multiple myeloma is a systemic malignancy. It slowly causes bone destruction due to bone marrow infiltration. It is more common in the elderly and rarely affects the young. In patients with continuing neck pain and headache, one has to bear in mind the rare possibility of multiple myeloma or also other malignancies affecting the cervical spine.
Materials and methods: Clinical case analysis, radiographs, magnetic resonance images, and histological sections of the lesion are discussed. Repeated surgical interventions were required due to progressive disease.
Results: Initial surgical treatment was aimed at palliation. However, this was in contrast to the slowly progressive clinical course. Thus, further surgical interventions were necessary. The patient died 16 years after the first procedure due to progression of the disease.
Conclusion: Even in young patients presenting with neck pain and minor neurological symptoms, one should bear in mind the rare possibility of multiple myeloma. At the very least, a radiograph of the cervical spine and a routine blood test should be performed. Surgical interventions must take into account the relatively long period of survival in multiple myeloma patients compared to patients with other secondary bone tumors.