POEMS Syndrome

Overview

Patients with POEMS syndrome experience an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment at Mayo Clinic. Working together, Mayo specialists develop a treatment plan based on the patient's needs and health issues. In some cases, patients with POEMS syndrome can receive a bone marrow transplant through Mayo Clinic's Transplant Center. Mayo is active in research on this disorder.

Diagnosis

POEMS syndrome is so rare that physicians who do not have experience with the disease may miss the diagnosis. Physicians at Mayo Clinic have the skills and experience necessary to diagnose this rare condition. The overgrowth of plasma cells can often be detected by finding an abnormal protein in the blood or urine, by an abnormality on a bone X-ray and/or a bone marrow biopsy. Read more about diagnosis of POEMS Syndrome.

Treatment Options

Because POEMS syndrome is a multisystem disease, hematologists at Mayo Clinic gather neurologists, endocrinologists, radiation oncologists, physical therapists and other specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment approach. Treatment options include radiation therapy, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, hormone replacement therapy and physical therapy. Read more about treatment options for POEMS Syndrome.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About POEMS Syndrome

POEMS syndrome is a rare blood disorder without a known cause. Researchers believe the syndrome involves an overgrowth of bone marrow cells (plasma cells), which produce chemicals that damage other parts of the body. It is not inherited, nor is it contagious. The term "POEMS" is an acronym for the most common symptoms. It can affect anyone, but the majority of people with POEMS syndrome are over 50 with a slightly higher percentage of men with this disorder than women. Patients sometimes confuse POEMS syndrome with multiple myeloma. The symptoms and potential complications of these diseases are very different. The average expected life span is better in patients with POEMS than in patients with classic multiple myeloma.