Multiple myeloma
Emergency referrals
All urgent cases must be discussed with the on call Haematology registrar or after hours the on call consultant. Contact through Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital switch (07) 3646 8111 or The Prince Charles Hospital switch on (07) 3139 4000 to obtain appropriate prioritisation and treatment.
Urgent cases accepted via phone must be accompanied with a written referral and a copy faxed immediately to the Central Patient Intake Unit: 1300 364 952.
Does your patient wish to be referred?
Minimum referral criteria
Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days is desirable
PRESENCE OF ONE IS REQUIRED
- Abnormal serum protein electrophoresis
- Abnormal free light chains
- Bence Jones protein in urine
AND IF ANY of the following present:
- Recent onset unexplained anaemia
- Lytic bone lesions
- Recent unexplained mild to moderate renal impairment
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days is desirable
PRESENCE OF ONE IS REQUIRED
- Abnormal serum protein electrophoresis
- Abnormal free light chains
- Bence Jones protein in urine
AND IF ALL of the following present:
- Well, asymptomatic patient
- Normal FBC and chemistry
- No history of bone pain or new unexplained back pain
Categorisation depends on subtype and amount of monoclonal protein
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days is desirable
- No category 3 criteria
If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria
Consider other treatment pathways or an alternative diagnosis.
If you still need to refer your patient:
- Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
- Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service
Other important information for referring practitioners
If any life threatening symptoms present (new hypercalcaemia) or severe or life threatening symptoms present (e.g. spinal cord compression, SVC compression, ureteric compression, airway compromise etc.) – then contact the haematologist on call, or send direct to the Emergency Department.
Bone scans are usually negative for the lytic lesions seen in myeloma. Plain film skeletal survey is recommended.
IgM monoclonal protein is exceedingly rare in myeloma and is more commonly seen in low grade lymphomas.
Referral requirements
A referral may be rejected without the following information.
Send referral
Hotline: 1300 364 938
Fax: 1300 364 952
Electronic: eReferral system
Mail: Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776 Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034
Health pathways
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