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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Multiple Myeloma

Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Anal Fistula

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found mainly in the bone marrow. Abnormal plasma cells multiply and produce an abnormal protein that can affect bones, blood, kidneys, and the immune system. The disease may cause bone pain, weakness, anemia, recurrent infections, or kidney problems, although some people have few symptoms initially.
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops between the inside of the anus or rectum and the skin near the anus. It often develops after an infection or abscess in an anal gland. Symptoms may include persistent drainage, pain, swelling, irritation, or recurrent abscesses around the anus.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blisters Fatigue Persistent Hoarseness
Only in Right Disease
Fever Painful Urination

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Genetics
Only in Right Disease
Infection Inflammation

Diagnosis

Multiple Myeloma
Diagnosis of multiple myeloma involves medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and imaging tests. Blood and urine tests can detect abnormal monoclonal proteins, free light chains, anemia, kidney problems, or abnormal calcium levels. Bone marrow examination may identify abnormal plasma cells. Imaging such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or PET-CT may be used to look for bone lesions and other disease-related changes.
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is diagnosed through a medical history and examination of the anus and surrounding skin. The healthcare professional may look for an external opening, drainage, swelling, or tenderness. A digital rectal examination may help identify the tract. Imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be used when the fistula is complex, recurrent, or difficult to identify during examination.

Prevention

Multiple Myeloma
There is no established way to completely prevent multiple myeloma because many of its causes are not known or cannot be changed. People with conditions associated with increased risk may benefit from appropriate medical follow-up. Reporting persistent bone pain, unusual fatigue, recurrent infections, or other concerning symptoms can support earlier evaluation. Management of identified plasma-cell disorders should follow medical advice.
Anal Fistula
Preventing anal fistula mainly involves reducing the risk of anal abscesses and treating infections promptly. People with inflammatory bowel disease should follow appropriate medical treatment and monitoring. Persistent pain, swelling, drainage, or recurrent abscesses around the anus should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than left untreated.

Risk Factors

Multiple Myeloma
Risk factors for multiple myeloma include increasing age, male sex, a personal history of certain plasma-cell disorders such as MGUS or plasmacytoma, and exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. Family and genetic factors may also contribute. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop multiple myeloma, and the disease can occur without a known risk factor.
Anal Fistula
Risk factors include a previous anal abscess, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease, recurrent infections in the anal region, previous anal or rectal surgery, and conditions that interfere with normal healing or immunity. A history of an anal fistula also increases the likelihood of recurrence.

Treatment

Multiple Myeloma
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Anal Fistula
Treatment comparison will be available soon.