Multiple Myeloma

Diagnosis

The common tests performed for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma are:

• Complete blood count (CBC): CBC helps to measure the RBC, WBC, and platelets. A reduced level of these blood cells may indicate multiple myeloma.
• Blood chemistry test: This test helps to measure various substances in the blood (like protein, creatinine, albumin, calcium, lactate dehydrogenase, and more).
• Quantitative Immunoglobin (Ig) test: It helps to measure the amount of different Immunoglobin in the blood. IgA and IgM are found in high amounts in people with multiple myeloma.
• Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH): The FISH test helps to detect the myeloma cells, defects in the genes, and metastasis of myeloma.
• Bone marrow aspiration: A sample of fluid from the back of the spine is taken and examined under a microscope for multiple myeloma.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan create detailed images of the bone of the spine, brain, and spinal cord along with bone marrow to check for myeloma.