What type of cancer is associated with PMR?
Seven studies reported an association between PMR and specific types of cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative disease and specified solid tumours, although nine studies found either no or negative association between cancer and PMR.
Is polymyalgia rheumatica associated with cancer?
As well, there was no difference in the cumulative incidence of malignancy at 10 years following PMR incidence between patients with PMR and non-PMR subjects (cumulative incidence at 10 years ± SE: PMR 13.8 ± 2.0, control 13.1 ± 2.0; p-value=0.89).
Does polymyalgia shorten your life?
In general, the life expectancy of patients with GCA does not appear to be shortened, whereas the morbidity associated with the disease and its treatment is well recognized.
Can polymyalgia affect your legs?
The most common symptoms of PMR are severe pain and stiffness in the muscles of the shoulders, neck, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. The muscles of the upper arms may also be affected but it is unusual for the muscles in the forearms, hands, legs and feet to be affected.
What diseases can mimic PMR?
What diseases mimic PMR?
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- tendonitis or bursitis.
- infections.
- fibromyalgia.
- Lyme disease.
- spondyloarthropathy.
- lupus.
- vasculitis.
Can thyroid problems cause polymyalgia rheumatica?
In a study of 250 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, seven (2.8%) were found to have polymyalgia rheumatica or giant cell arteritis. All cases occurred in female patients over the age of 60 years, a prevalence in this group of 9.3%.
What is the life expectancy of someone with polymyalgia rheumatica?
Prognosis is excellent. Life expectancy is normal (giant cell arteritis) or prolonged (polymyalgia rheumatica) in treated patients. Many patients no longer receive therapy after two years. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment; no conclusive evidence for steroid-sparing effect of other immunosuppressants.