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A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
January 24
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

To All

If your bone marrow biopsy (BMB) shows CD56, it does NOT mean you have bone lesions.

Here’s the calm, clear breakdown, my friend:

What CD56 actually means
• CD56 is a surface marker found on many myeloma plasma cells
• It helps doctors characterize the myeloma cells, not your bones

How bone lesions are really detected
Bone lesions are found by imaging, not bone marrow markers:
• Low-dose whole-body CT
• PET-CT
• MRI
• X-ray (older method, less sensitive)

Extra reassurance
• Many patients with CD56-positive myeloma have no bone lesions
• In fact, CD56 positivity is often considered neutral or even slightly favorable
• Doctors worry more when CD56 is absent, especially if disease spreads outside the marrow

Simple summary

CD56 = cell identity
Lesions = imaging findings
They are not the same thing “.

For information only 🙏
****
This is shared general information and patient experiences, not medical advice. Please follow your doctor’s guidance.”
*******

January 24
MyMyelomaTeam

Does CD56 on a bone marrow biopsy mean you have lesions?

No, CD56 expression on your bone marrow biopsy doesn't directly indicate whether you have bone lesions. CD56 is a protein that helps myeloma cells stick together and stay anchored in the bone marrow.

Having CD56 present is actually associated with less aggressive Show Full Answer

Does CD56 on a bone marrow biopsy mean you have lesions?

No, CD56 expression on your bone marrow biopsy doesn't directly indicate whether you have bone lesions. CD56 is a protein that helps myeloma cells stick together and stay anchored in the bone marrow.

Having CD56 present is actually associated with less aggressive disease. When CD56 is present, myeloma cells tend to stay in the bone marrow rather than spreading outside of it.

Low or absent CD56 expression is linked to more aggressive myeloma. Without CD56, cells are more likely to break away from the bone marrow and form tumors outside the bone (extramedullary tumors).

Whether you have bone lesions is determined through imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans - not by CD56 status alone. Bone lesions are one of the CRAB criteria used to diagnose active myeloma, along with high calcium levels, kidney problems, and anemia.

Your doctor will use multiple tests together to get a complete picture of your myeloma and any bone involvement.

January 24
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

There’s times where certain CDs are not mentioned since some of them are Always present.

In 2021, I had two FISH Tests from two different Biopsies. One mentioned CD138 but not CD 38. Later, the second mentioned CD38 and CD138 and others.

When I asked why, I was told that they don’t always test for some that are always expected

January 24
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

It’s been a few years since my last BMB. It was 10%. I’m wondering where it is now?
Paula🌹

January 27
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Yes it was 15 to 20 pecent. 2 years ago it was 10 to 13 percent.

January 25

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