Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Multiple Myeloma
Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Mononucleosis
Moderate
4
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.
Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, often called mono, is a contagious viral infection. It commonly causes extreme tiredness, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes an enlarged spleen or liver. Most cases are caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms often develop gradually and most people recover, although fatigue can continue for several weeks or occasionally longer.
Symptoms
Shared
FatigueOnly in Left Disease
Blisters Persistent HoarsenessOnly in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Fever Swollen Lymph NodesCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
GeneticsOnly in Right Disease
Infection StressDiagnosis
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.
Mononucleosis
Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and physical examination, including examination of the throat and lymph nodes and checking for enlargement of the liver or spleen. A healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for changes associated with mononucleosis or antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus. A rapid mono test may be used in appropriate circumstances, although additional testing may be needed when the result is unclear.
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.
Mononucleosis
There is no vaccine that prevents infectious mononucleosis. The risk of spreading the infection can be reduced by avoiding kissing and by not sharing food, drinks, utensils, or lip balm with someone who has mono. Good hand hygiene is also useful. Because the virus may remain in saliva after symptoms improve, people should follow appropriate precautions during recovery and according to medical advice.
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.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is particularly common among teenagers and young adults, although infection can occur at any age. Risk increases with close contact with an infected person because the virus is commonly spread through saliva. Sharing drinks, food, utensils, or personal items that contact saliva can also transmit the infection. Previous lack of exposure to Epstein-Barr virus may make a person susceptible to symptomatic infection.
Treatment
Multiple Myeloma
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Mononucleosis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.