Print OverviewPOEMS syndrome is a rare blood disorder that damages your nerves and affects other parts of your body. POEMS stands for these signs and symptoms: Polyneuropathy. Numbness, tingling and weakness in your legs — and over time, maybe in your hands — and difficulty breathing. This is an essential feature in the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. Organomegaly. Enlarged spleen, liver or lymph nodes. Endocrinopathy/edema. Abnormal hormone levels that can result in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, sexual problems, fatigue, swelling in your limbs, and problems with metabolism and other essential functions. Monoclonal-protein. Abnormal bone marrow cells (plasma cells) that produce a protein (monoclonal protein) that can be found in the bloodstream. This is an essential feature in the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. Monoclonal-protein is often associated with unusual bone hardening or thickening. Skin changes. More color than normal on your skin, red spots, possibly thicker skin, and increased facial or leg hair. The cause of POEMS syndrome isn't known. But people with POEMS syndrome have an increased number of plasma cells. These cells produce an abnormal amount of a type of protein, which can damage other parts of the body. POEMS syndrome can be misdiagnosed because the signs and symptoms mimic those of other disorders. POEMS syndrome progresses rapidly without treatment and can become life-threatening, so early diagnosis is important. Treatment for POEMS syndrome might improve your symptoms but doesn't cure the condition. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. The outlook for people with POEMS syndrome has improved greatly over the past decade or so.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic By Mayo Clinic Staff POEMS syndrome care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & departments April 19, 2022 Print Living with poems syndrome? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Blood Cancers & Disorders Discussions My Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT/SCT) story: Will you share yours? 587 Replies Mon, Dec 23, 2024 chevron-right What was your experience with bone marrow biopsy? 149 Replies Mon, Dec 23, 2024 chevron-right High Ferritin Levels: How can I lower my levels? 17 Replies Mon, Dec 23, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Rajkumar SV. POEMS syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2020. AskMayoExpert. POEMS syndrome. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Cerri F, et al. An update on the diagnosis and management of the polyneuropathy of POEMS syndrome. Journal of Neurology. 2019; doi10.1007/s00415-018-9068-4. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic POEMS syndromeSymptoms&causesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20305518 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions POEMS syndrome