![]() ![]() (2016).Background and Objectives for the Systematic Review Questions to ask about multiple myeloma.Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnosis (5th edition). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn ways to manage following a cancer diagnosis here. ![]() That way, they will remember to ask them.ĭiscussing a cancer diagnosis can be a stressful experience. It is also a good idea for people to make a note of any questions they have and take them to their appointment. Are there any limitations on activities?.How will I know if treatment is working?.What treatment would you recommend and why?Įxamples of questions to ask during treatment include:.This will help them make the best decisions.Įxamples of questions to ask at diagnosis include:Įxamples of questions to ask when deciding on a treatment plan include: The American Cancer Society encourages them to have frank, open discussions with their cancer care team. People with MM will often have lots of questions. Learn what it means to have high levels of protein in the urine here. Doctors may refer to it as M-protein, M-spike, or paraprotein.ĭoctors may also look for the protein in a person’s urine. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE)Īn SPE test looks for the abnormal protein monoclonal immunoglobulin. High levels can mean that the cancer is more advanced. Sometimes, doctors may also suggest measuring lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Albumin: Low levels of albumin can be a sign of MM.Creatinine: High levels of creatinine may suggest the MM is affecting the kidneys.Calcium: High levels of calcium may suggest that the MM is affecting the bone.Blood chemistry testĭuring a blood chemistry test, doctors will look at the levels of different chemicals in the blood. Levels of these cells can be low in a person with MM. They can also help doctors check how well the person’s treatment is working.Ī complete blood count (CBC) measures the numbers of: They tend to order them at the diagnosis stage. Having this protein in the blood can be a sign of MM.ĭoctors will usually recommend different types of blood tests to people with MM. Doctors may call it monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M-protein), M-spike, or paraprotein. When someone has MM, their plasma cells make an abnormal protein that is visible from a blood test. As the bones break down too quickly, they release calcium into the blood. They are osteoclasts, which break down old bone, and osteoblasts, which make new bone.Īccording to the American Cancer Society, myeloma cells make a substance that tells the osteoclasts to break down too much bone. The body makes two types of bone cells to help keep the bones strong and healthy. This is because the disease interrupts the system that builds and maintains bones. CalciumĪnother way doctors use blood tests to detect MM is by looking at calcium levels. Low levels can make it difficult to fight infection. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. ![]() Leukopenia means low levels of white blood cells in the blood. LeukopeniaĪ person with multiple myeloma may also have leukopenia, which can be visible from a full blood count. Learn more about platelet count blood tests here. People with thrombocytopenia may bleed or bruise more easily than usual. It means low levels of platelets in the blood. Thrombocytopenia can be a complication of MM that doctors notice during blood tests. Symptoms of anemia include weakness and tiredness. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Lots of different things can cause anemia, but it can be a sign of MM. It is common for a doctor to notice anemia during a blood test for MM.Īnemia is a shortage of red blood cells. Blood cellsĪs plasma cells multiply controllably, they leave less room for other cells in the bone marrow. ![]() Doctors will look for a variety of things in the blood. Share on Pinterest KTSDESIGN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Imagesĭoctors use blood tests in a number of ways when diagnosing MM. ![]()
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