Making the Diagnosis
Diagnosis of multiple myeloma depends on a number of factors. Blood or urine test results following a routine doctor's visit may provide the first indication of multiple myeloma. The combination of these results along with other tests, as well as your symptoms, helps determine the presence or absence of the disease.
The blood and urine tests known as serum and urine protein electrophoresis can detect certain proteins (M proteins) produced by the myeloma cells. If the test results show the presence of M proteins or parts of M proteins (Bence Jones proteins), further blood and urine testing may be used to measure your:
- beta-2-microglobulin level
- blood cell counts
- calcium level
- creatinine level
- levels of gamma globulins
- amount of light chains (a part of the M protein) in the blood
- amount of protein in the urine
If your doctor suspects that you have myeloma, the next step is to take X-rays. Weakened areas of the bones are common with myeloma and may be visible in an X-ray.
Also, the removal of bone marrow tissue for microscopic examination is required. This test is called a bone marrow biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into the bone and removes some of the marrow along with a small piece of the bone, which is then viewed under a microscope to detect the abnormal myeloma cells.