Overview
Characterized by polyneuropathy (simultaneous malfunction of many peripheral nerves throughout the body), organomegaly (enlargement of an organ or organs), endocrinopathy (endocrine gland disease that disrupts hormone production), monoclonal gammopathy (abnormal proteins found in the blood), and skin changes. While the cause for this condition remains unknown, the reasons that it becomes chronic are easily detected. POEMS causes an increased plasma cell count. This Is alarming because the overproduction of plasma cells results in an excess amount of a specific protein that can cause damage to other parts of the body. Misdiagnosis is common because of its symptomatic similarity to other disorders.