My pain management doctor sent me for a second opinion
Thank goodness- the MM specialist said CRABs not MGUS
August 11
Getting a second opinion is a really smart move — and it sounds like your doctors are being thorough, which is a good sign!
When it comes to figuring out whether MGUS is progressing, a CT scan and bone marrow biopsy are considered the most reliable tools available. Here's why each one matters:
- CT scan — helps identify Show Full Answer
Getting a second opinion is a really smart move — and it sounds like your doctors are being thorough, which is a good sign!
When it comes to figuring out whether MGUS is progressing, a CT scan and bone marrow biopsy are considered the most reliable tools available. Here's why each one matters:
- CT scan — helps identify any bone lesions or structural changes that might not be visible otherwise
- Bone marrow biopsy — checks the actual percentage of abnormal plasma cells in your marrow, which is key to distinguishing MGUS from smoldering or active myeloma The SLiM-CRAB criteria your doctors are referencing are a more modern and sensitive set of markers used alongside the original CRAB criteria. Having more SLiM findings than CRAB findings can still signal that closer evaluation is needed.
Your doctors are right that these tests are currently the most definitive way to get a clear picture of what's happening. It's completely reasonable to want that clarity, especially when making decisions about next steps.
Hang in there — getting answers, even when the process feels daunting, puts you in a much stronger position.
August 11
Crabs is the criteria for multiple myeloma so did you have mgus?
August 11 (edited)
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