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Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hollis AK

Can we have Multiple Myeloma without abnormal protein pattern/monoclonal protein being detected?

July 13
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Yes. You may have non-secretory myeloma (about 5% of all cases) where there is no M spike. Following non sec MM must be done through light chain tracking and bone marrow biopsies.

July 13
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I’m sure I had MM long before I was diagnosed! My back was giving me trouble but went to my regular Dr. & he did an X-Ray of my back & told me to go home & strengthen my core. By the time I got to Moffit I had 10 compromised vertebra that were crushed. Thank goodness for Dr. Tran who put them back together with Kyrplasty & saved my back. Thank everyone at Moffitt for saving my life!❤️💕

July 13
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

To diagnose multiple myeloma, doctors use various clinical tests and findings. Here are the key diagnostic criteria and tests:

Diagnostic Criteria
- Abnormal Plasma Cells: 60% or more of the cells in the bone marrow are abnormal plasma cells.
- Abnormal Light Chains: High levels of abnormal light chains (proteins Show Full Answer

To diagnose multiple myeloma, doctors use various clinical tests and findings. Here are the key diagnostic criteria and tests:

Diagnostic Criteria:
- Abnormal Plasma Cells: 60% or more of the cells in the bone marrow are abnormal plasma cells.
- Abnormal Light Chains: High levels of abnormal light chains (proteins produced by abnormal plasma cells).
- Lesions: More than one lesion visible in MRI studies.
- Organ Damage: Evidence of organ damage such as high calcium levels, anemia, kidney failure, or bony lesions shown on imaging tests.
- Biopsy: A biopsy showing that 10% or more of a person’s bone marrow cells are abnormal plasma cells.

Tests and What They Show:
- Blood and Urine Tests: Can reveal anemia, high calcium levels, elevated creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, low albumin levels, and elevated beta-2 microglobulin levels.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI scans, and PET scans to view abnormalities and bone damage.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: To check for abnormal plasma cells.

Symptoms Leading to Diagnosis:
- Back pain
- Bone pain
- Frequent infections
- Fatigue

Staging:
- Multiple myeloma is assigned a stage to determine the best treatment options.

For more detailed information, you can visit the source: [Multiple Myeloma – The Path to Diagnosis](https://www.mymyelomateam.com/resources/multipl...).

July 13
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Sally and Cheryl; thank you. I'll put this on my visit list.....too. I have heard of the Non secretory type in the past, but didn't check it out.

July 14 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Sept. Is coming...and I'll get my oncologist to tell me exactly

July 13

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