Yes, myeloma can be missed in a blood test. Myeloma is a cancer that originates in the plasma cells in the bone marrow, and it is difficult to detect through a routine blood test. Myeloma can cause a minor elevation in the white blood cells and red blood cells, which may prompt a healthcare provider to order additional tests.
However, the diagnosis of myeloma requires a bone marrow biopsy or a flow cytometry. In some cases, myeloma may not cause any abnormalities in the blood count and thus could be easily missed. Another possible reason for a missed diagnosis is that the symptoms of myeloma can be subtle and difficult to detect.
It is important to speak with a doctor if you have any symptoms that merit further testing, such as unexplained fatigue, bone pain, or recurrent infections.
Can you have myeloma with normal blood work?
Yes, it is possible to have myeloma with normal blood work. Myeloma is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow, and is usually managed with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Blood work is commonly used to diagnose and manage myeloma, but not all patients present with abnormal blood results.
In some cases, cancer cells may be present in the bone marrow even if the patient’s blood work appears normal. This is known as smoldering myeloma, which is a pre-myeloma condition in which the patient may have few or no symptoms.
If left untreated, it can eventually become symptomatic myeloma. In such cases, treatment may be delayed until symptoms occur or tests reveal abnormal results, such as an elevated calcium level in the blood or high levels of Bence Jones proteins.
Aside from laboratory tests, imaging tests such as MRI, PET, and CT scans may be required to confirm the diagnosis of myeloma. Other tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy and a genetic analysis, may also be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and provide more information about the type of myeloma.
It is important to discuss the available tests with your doctor to ensure the diagnosis is complete and to determine the best treatment plan.
Does multiple myeloma show up in routine blood tests?
No, multiple myeloma does not typically show up on routine blood tests. This is because routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or other basic laboratory tests, are not specifically designed to detect this type of cancer.
While some of the abnormalities associated with multiple myeloma can be detected on a CBC, the results are often too subtle to give a definitive diagnosis. In order to diagnose multiple myeloma, physicians must usually order additional specialized tests, such as a 24-hour urine test and/or a bone marrow biopsy.
These tests help to definitively determine whether an individual is suffering from multiple myeloma.
What labs will be off with multiple myeloma?
If you have multiple myeloma, your doctor will most likely order lab tests to assess your condition and monitor your response to treatments. The most common lab tests used to evaluate multiple myeloma include complete blood count (CBC), serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), immunofixation, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, and 24-hour urine collection for Bence-Jones protein.
The CBC test can help determine the overall health of the patient, detect anemia (low red blood cells), and provide information about the white blood cells and platelets. The SPEP test is the primary laboratory test for diagnosing multiple myeloma and detecting possible signs of disease progression.
This test measures the amount of each of the three main types of protein (albumin, immunoglobulins, and free light chains) in the serum. The UPEP test measures the amount of monoclonal light chain protein present in the urine and is used to detect relapse of the disease or disease progression.
Additionally, immunofixation is a specialized laboratory test that is used to recognize and differentiate monoclonal proteins in the serum. The RT-PCR test looks for the presence of a specific gene rearrangement of the immunoglobulin gene, which is a marker of malignancy in multiple myeloma.
Finally, the 24-hour urine collection is primarily used to measure the concentration of Bence-Jones proteins in the urine, which can provide additional to determine the stage of multiple myeloma.
Overall, these tests are important for confirming the diagnosis, monitoring the progression of the disease, and evaluating the response of the patient to treatment.
How do you rule out myeloma?
Myeloma can be difficult to rule out since it can have varied and non-specific symptoms. In order to help accurately rule out myeloma, your doctor will likely take a thorough medical history and physical exam.
Your doctor may order additional tests, such as blood tests, imaging procedures (such as computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies), and a biopsy of an affected area, if necessary.
A complete blood count (CBC) is the most common and important blood test to help diagnose or rule out myeloma, as it evaluates the number of white cells, red cells, and other blood components that can be affected by myeloma.
A quantitative immunoglobulin test is also done to measure the levels of various immune system proteins that can be affected by myeloma. Imaging studies, such as CT scans, can also be used to identify signs of myeloma that were not visible on the CBC, such as bone damage or enlarged lymph nodes.
A bone marrow biopsy may be recommended in order to assess how cells look and whether they produce abnormal proteins that can indicate myeloma. The presence of abnormal proteins and cancerous cells in the bone marrow indicate that myeloma is present.
In addition, genetic tests may be used to detect changes in specific genes associated with myeloma. Genetic tests can provide important information about the type and severity of the disease.
As there is no single test that can be used to definitively rule out myeloma, your doctor will likely perform a combination of tests in order to make a diagnosis.
When should I suspect myeloma?
If you experience persistent and unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections and pain in the bones, you should suspect myeloma. Other signs and symptoms include anemia, an elevated white blood cell count or abnormal blood protein levels.
Additionally, any enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen, or liver should also lead to suspicion of the condition. It should be noted, however, that these symptoms may be indicative of other conditions, such as anemia, so seeking out medical advice is the best way to confirm or rule out myeloma.
What levels are elevated in multiple myeloma?
In multiple myeloma, the levels of immunoglobulins are usually elevated in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins made by white blood cells that help fight infection. Other lab tests may show an increase in calcium, creatinine, M-spike, and lactate dehydrogenase.
The M-spike is a type of antibody formed by the body in response to multiple myeloma and it is used to monitor its progress. Other tests may also reveal that IgA, IgG, and IgM levels are higher than normal.
The presence of high antibody levels in the blood combined with other abnormal tests may indicate a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
Can myeloma be seen on CBC?
Yes, myeloma can be seen on a comprehensive metabolic panel (CBC). The CBC measures red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. Myeloma can be seen as an increased amount of abnormal or immature white blood cells in the blood sample.
These abnormal cells are called plasmacytes, and they are produced by the myeloma cells.
Myeloma can also be seen on other blood tests associated with the CBC, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which measures the speed of red blood cells settling to the bottom of a test tube, and the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), which measures the levels of different proteins in the blood.
Elevated levels of certain proteins, such as immunoglobulin (Ig) and beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), can also be signs of myeloma.
What is the most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma?
The most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma is bone pain, which is often localized to the spine, back, ribs, or pelvis. Some people may also experience pain in their chest or lower back. Multiple myeloma can cause fractures and a decrease in bone density due to weakened bones.
Additionally, multiple myeloma can lead to decreased red blood cell production, which can cause anemia, fatigue, and other symptoms. Other signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can include night sweats, fever, weakness, nausea, constipation, and weight loss.
Can multiple myeloma be missed?
Yes, multiple myeloma can be missed. It can be difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with many other conditions and the symptoms often start out very mild. In its early stages, multiple myeloma may not cause many symptoms or the symptoms may be too mild to be noticed.
Since the symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, the diagnosis can be easily overlooked. Primary care doctors may not suspect multiple myeloma and therefore may not order the necessary tests to make a definitive diagnosis.
In some cases, multiple myeloma might be mistaken for another type of cancer, or in some cases, it can be misdiagnosed as noncancerous conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, infections, and bone injuries.
Often it takes several visits to the doctor, and possibly specialists, for the diagnosis to be made.
How long can multiple myeloma go undetected?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and can be difficult to detect in its early stages. As most of the early symptoms of multiple myeloma are similar to other, more common illnesses, it can often go undetected for a long period of time.
Depending on the individual, multiple myeloma can go undetected for months to even years before being properly diagnosed.
The reason multiple myeloma can go undetected for so long is because it develops slowly and the symptoms can be nonspecific. Some of the early symptoms associated with multiple myeloma include bone pain and fractures, fatigue, anemia, recurrent infections, and frequent urination.
Since these symptoms can be commonly mistaken for other more benign illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose multiple myeloma in the early stages.
To detect multiple myeloma early, individuals should have regular check-ups with their doctor and report any bone pain, fatigue, and other symptoms they may be experiencing that are not normal. If multiple myeloma is suspected, a combination of blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests such as PET scans may be performed.
Treatment options can vary depending on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, so it is important to get screened early to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
What conditions are mistaken for myeloma?
Myeloma can be mistaken for a variety of conditions, as it has many of the same symptoms and blood results as other diseases. Conditions incorrectly diagnosed as myeloma can include Paget’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, metastasis from other tumors, tuberculosis, and other infections.
Additionally, sometimes non-myeloma related episodes such as reactive plasmacytosis and plasma cell leukemia can be confused with myeloma.
It is important to diagnose myeloma correctly, as it is a serious medical condition that needs to be identified and treated appropriately. Other conditions have different treatments, so accurately diagnosing myeloma is necessary in order to give the patient the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis of myeloma is generally done using a series of tests, such as lab tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, a bone marrow biopsy, and/or a skeletal survey. These tests can help rule out other conditions and determine if myeloma is present.
What happens if multiple myeloma is left untreated?
If multiple myeloma is left untreated, it can have serious and life-threatening complications. Left untreated, multiple myeloma can cause anemia which can cause fatigue, breathlessness and a weakened immune system.
Damage to the bones is another common symptom, due to the tumour cells growing in the bone marrow and destroying healthy bone tissue. This can cause bone pain, fractures and a higher risk of bone infections.
Additionally, multiple myeloma can cause other symptoms such as kidney failure and bone collapse, which can both be life-threatening if not treated. Individuals with untreated multiple myeloma are also at a higher risk of developing serious infections, due to their weakened immune system.
Overall, it is important to seek medical attention and treatment for multiple myeloma in order to avoid serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
What blood results indicate myeloma?
Myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, which produce antibodies to fight infections. Blood test results can indicate myeloma if there is an abnormally high level of M-protein, which is an antibody produced by myeloma cells.
High levels of immunoglobulin, or M component, as well as abnormal or abnormal-looking cells in the blood or urine samples can also be indicators of myeloma. A complete blood count may also be done to measure overall white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, and platelet levels, which can all be suppressed in someone with myeloma.
Finally, calcium levels may be checked, as higher levels can be indicative of myeloma.
Are white blood cells high or low with myeloma?
Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. As a result, white blood cells are typically low in those with myeloma. The decrease in white blood cells is generally caused by the body’s production of abnormal proteins that result from the myeloma cells.
Normally, the body produces healthy proteins (antibodies) that help to fight infection and disease. However, when the body produces abnormal protein from the myeloma cells, it can lead to an overall decrease in the numbers of both red and white blood cells.
This decrease in white blood cells can also cause an increased risk for infection, as the white blood cells are responsible for helping to fight off bacteria and viruses. Therefore, when someone has myeloma, it is important to monitor their white blood cell count to ensure that the numbers remain within a healthy range.