An official website of the United States government
Home
Name
POEMS syndrome
This definition applies to
All SEER websites where this term appears
Definition
A rare blood disorder that damages the nerves and affects other parts of the body. POEMS stands for these signs and symptoms:
- Polyneuropathy. Numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs, and sometimes the arms. This is an essential feature in the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome.
- Organomegaly. Enlarged spleen, liver or lymph nodes.
- Endocrinopathy/edema. Abnormal hormone levels that can result in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, sexual problems, fatigue, swelling in the limbs, and problems with metabolism and other essential functions.
- Monoclonal protein. Abnormal bone marrow cells (plasma cells) that produce a protein (monoclonal protein) that can be found in the bloodstream. This is an essential feature in the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. Monoclonal protein is often associated with unusual bone hardening or thickening.
- Skin changes. More color than normal on the skin, red spots, possibly thicker skin, and increased facial or leg hair.
The cause of POEMS syndrome isn't known. But people with POEMS syndrome have an increased number of plasma cells. These cells produce an abnormal amount of a type of protein, which can damage other parts of the body.
POEMS syndrome can be misdiagnosed because the signs and symptoms mimic those of other disorders. POEMS syndrome progresses rapidly without treatment and can become life-threatening, so early diagnosis is important.
- Polyneuropathy. Numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs, and sometimes the arms. This is an essential feature in the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome.
- Organomegaly. Enlarged spleen, liver or lymph nodes.
- Endocrinopathy/edema. Abnormal hormone levels that can result in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, sexual problems, fatigue, swelling in the limbs, and problems with metabolism and other essential functions.
- Monoclonal protein. Abnormal bone marrow cells (plasma cells) that produce a protein (monoclonal protein) that can be found in the bloodstream. This is an essential feature in the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. Monoclonal protein is often associated with unusual bone hardening or thickening.
- Skin changes. More color than normal on the skin, red spots, possibly thicker skin, and increased facial or leg hair.
The cause of POEMS syndrome isn't known. But people with POEMS syndrome have an increased number of plasma cells. These cells produce an abnormal amount of a type of protein, which can damage other parts of the body.
POEMS syndrome can be misdiagnosed because the signs and symptoms mimic those of other disorders. POEMS syndrome progresses rapidly without treatment and can become life-threatening, so early diagnosis is important.
Resource
Alternate Names
None
Abstractor Notes
None
Histology
None
Primary Sites
None
