Multiple Myeloma

In 1968, multiple myeloma was diagnosed in six residents of a Minnesota community (population 7,151). This is a rate of 84 per 100,000, as compared with an expected rate of about 3 per 100,000. The clinical and laboratory features of these cases were typical of myeloma. In addition, one case of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia was found during this period. The incidence of other forms of leukemia and lymphoma and of congenital malformation was not increased in the town during the years 1960 through 1968. The cause of this apparent community cluster of multiple myeloma cases remains obscure.