Multiple Myeloma in an Agricultural Worker Exposed to Pesticides

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic disorder characterized by the monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is estimated to account for only 1% of neoplastic diseases, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty about its precise etiology. Common risk factors with a proven association with MM include ionizing radiation exposure, age greater than 65, male gender, and the presence of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).More recently, research has shown that occupational exposures to pesticides also have a significant association with the development of MM. We present the case of an adult male who presented with rib pain, back pain, fevers, and progressive shortness of breath and was ultimately found to have multiple myeloma thought to be associated with occupational exposure to the pesticide captan.