Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Multiple Myeloma
Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Peritonsillar Abscess
Unknown
3
Symptoms
0
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.
Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material in the tissues around a tonsil, usually developing as a complication of tonsillitis. It commonly causes severe throat pain, often worse on one side, along with fever, difficulty swallowing, muffled speech, difficulty opening the mouth, drooling, and swelling. Severe swelling can obstruct the airway and requires urgent medical attention.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blisters Fatigue Persistent HoarsenessOnly in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Fever HoarsenessCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
GeneticsOnly in Right Disease
None
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.
Peritonsillar Abscess
Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and examination of the throat. The healthcare provider may see swelling on one side of the throat and displacement of the uvula away from the affected area. Needle aspiration can help confirm and drain an abscess. CT imaging or fiberoptic endoscopy may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or when airway obstruction or deeper infection is suspected.
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.
Peritonsillar Abscess
Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment of tonsillitis, particularly bacterial tonsillitis, may reduce the risk of a peritonsillar abscess. People with severe or worsening throat pain, difficulty swallowing, drooling, voice changes, or swelling should seek medical care promptly. Completing prescribed treatment and following healthcare advice can help prevent an untreated throat infection from progressing.
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.
Peritonsillar Abscess
A recent or ongoing episode of tonsillitis increases the risk of a peritonsillar abscess. The condition is most common in older children, adolescents, and young adults. Repeated throat infections may also increase risk. Although antibiotics have made the condition less common, infection can still progress when tonsillitis is not appropriately evaluated or treated.
Treatment
Multiple Myeloma
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Peritonsillar Abscess
Treatment comparison will be available soon.