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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

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, 2024
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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, 2024
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, 2024
MyMyelomaTeam

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, 2024
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, 2024 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

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

July 13, 2024

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