Is IgM the M protein tests are looking for?
Not usually. M protein tests are looking for abnormal antibodies made by cancerous plasma cells, and IgM is just one type of heavy chain that can be part of M protein.
In myeloma specifically, IgM is rarely the type found. About 50 percent of people with myeloma have M protein Show Full Answer
Is IgM the M protein tests are looking for?
Not usually. M protein tests are looking for abnormal antibodies made by cancerous plasma cells, and IgM is just one type of heavy chain that can be part of M protein.
In myeloma specifically, IgM is rarely the type found. About 50 percent of people with myeloma have M protein made of IgG, and the second largest group has IgA. IgM proteins are most often a sign of a different condition called Waldenström macroglobulinemia, not multiple myeloma.
When doctors test for M protein, they're checking for any abnormal antibody type. The tests identify which specific type you have (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, or IgE) because this helps with diagnosis and treatment planning.
So while IgM is a type of M protein, it's not the main one associated with myeloma.
AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to
diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.
What Is M Protein in Multiple Myeloma?
February 17
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