A patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma should be referred to which specialist?

Prepare for the Neuromusculoskeletal II Lecture Exam with detailed study guides, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Unlock comprehensive insights and enhance your knowledge for success.

Multiple myeloma is a systemic cancer of plasma cells, so its management requires cancer-directed care and ongoing systemic treatment. An oncologist, often a hematologist-oncologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with therapies such as chemotherapy, novel agents, monoclonal antibodies, and stem cell transplantation. They will coordinate the overall treatment plan, monitor organ involvement (like kidney function and calcium levels), manage anemia, and address bone disease and other complications. While other specialists may assist with imaging, nervous system issues, or skeletal injuries, the most appropriate starting referral for this diagnosis is to an oncologist.