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5 days ago
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Mine says: “ Plasma cells clearly increased and are shown by CD138 I HC to account for 20% of cells”
but also: “Plasma cells: mildly increased in number (8.5% with occasional Russell bodies”
So I’m not sure if my answer is 8.5% or 20%??

5 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I was confused at first also. My FISH results had percentages and my bone marrow biopsy had percentages. What you want to look at is your Bone Marrow biopsy result. Mine is 10% the last time it was checked, which was 3 years ago. For treatment, CRAB criteria also matter. Calcium in the blood, renal, anemia and bones.
Paula🌹

5 days ago
MyMyelomaTeam

Great question! A bone marrow biopsy (BMB) measures how much of your bone marrow is made up of myeloma (plasma) cells, called bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs). This percentage is an important indicator of how active your myeloma is.

Here's a simple breakdown of what the numbers can mean:

- Less than 10% — Generally Show Full Answer

Great question! A bone marrow biopsy (BMB) measures how much of your bone marrow is made up of myeloma (plasma) cells, called bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs). This percentage is an important indicator of how active your myeloma is.

Here's a simple breakdown of what the numbers can mean:

- Less than 10% — Generally considered within a range that may not yet indicate active myeloma
- 10–60% — May suggest myeloma is present and being monitored or treated
- More than 60% — This is considered a sign of active multiple myeloma and is one of the key markers doctors use to assess disease activity

Doctors use this percentage alongside other tests and criteria to get a full picture of what's happening in your bone marrow. It's also worth knowing that BMB results don't stand alone — your care team will look at them together with blood tests, imaging, and other markers to guide treatment decisions.

If the numbers from your own BMB feel confusing, it's completely okay to ask your doctor to walk you through what your specific percentage means for your situation. No question is too small when it comes to understanding your own results! 💪

5 days ago

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New York, NY