Q. How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are white blood cells found in the bone marrow. Diagnosis of this disease requires several tests to confirm that it is present.

The first step in diagnosing multiple myeloma is an evaluation and history taking by your doctor. They will ask about any recent symptoms and risk factors for cancer, such as family history or exposure to certain chemicals. In addition, they may order blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) to look for signs of infection or disease, including anemia or low levels of red blood cells due to destruction from tumor-fighting white cells called myeloma cells. An X-ray can also be used during diagnosis to detect areas where bones have been weakened due to tumors forming near them.

If these initial tests indicate that further investigation is needed, additional imaging tests like MRI scans can be used to assess how widespread the disease has become throughout your body and determine if there are any suspicious masses indicating multiple myeloma growths in the bone marrow or other organs. Additionally, cytogenetic laboratory testing may be done on sample tissue obtained through biopsy or aspiration procedures in order detect genetic abnormalities associated with multiple myeloma. Performing an immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies that react specifically with proteins produced by multiple myelomas cells can help confirm its presence as well since these markers are often present only when abnormal plasma cell growth has been taking place over time rather than newly developed ones being missed on earlier screenings which might lead doctors astray in making their diagnosis without more detailed examination into patient's medical conditions via other exams like biopsies etc .

Once a definitive diagnosis of multiple myeloma has been made through various laboratory results and imaging studies conducted after thorough history evaluation , patients would then need treatments based on severities level that could include chemotherapy , stem cell transplantation , radiotherapy among other methods for managing this type cancer depending upon individual cases specific details .

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