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, help determine the presence or absence of the disease.
The blood test known as serum 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 testing is required to measure your:
- beta-2-microglobulin level
- blood cell counts
- calcium level
- creatinine level
- uric acid level
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. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scanning may be used to get a better view of your bones.
Further tests may require the removal of bone marrow tissue for microscopic examination. This test is called a bone marrow biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into the bone marrow and removes some of the marrow which is then viewed under a microscope to detect the abnormal myeloma cells.