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How Multiple Myeloma Is Diagnosed
Multiple myeloma is not always easy to diagnose. There is no one test that can be performed. Instead, doctors consider many factors, including physical symptoms and the results from a variety of tests.
Signs of multiple myeloma
CRAB is an acronym used to describe the most common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma. It stands for Calcium, Renal, Anemia, and Bone. Multiple myeloma may also be accompanied by infections caused by a weakened immune system.
myeloma can cause
Calcium
Too much calciumin your blood
Nauseated, you may even vomit
You may lose your appetite
You may urinate more often
Renal
Kidney problems, sometimescalled renal problems
Nauseated, you may even vomit
You may lose your appetite
You may urinate more often
You may have high blood pressure
Anemia
Too few oxygen-carryingcells in your blood
You may have headaches
Out of breath
You might feel cold
Bone
Bone problemsa sign of bone fractures
myeloma can cause
Calcium
Too much calcium in your bloodIt might make you feel
Very tired - ConfusedNauseated, you may even vomit
You may lose your appetite
You may urinate more often
Renal
Kidney problems, sometimes called renal problemsNauseated, you may even vomit
You may lose your appetite
You may urinate more often
You may have high blood pressure
Anemia
Too few oxygen-carrying cells in your bloodYou may have headaches
Out of breath
You might feel cold
Bone
Bone problemsIf symptoms suggest that a person might have multiple myeloma, tests may be done to help confirm a diagnosis.
Blood tests
Doctors can learn a lot about what’s going on in the body by testing the blood. Even after diagnosis, blood is tested regularly to see exactly how multiple myeloma is affecting the body and how it’s responding to treatment.
You can learn more about common blood tests here >
Sometimes, people with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all. In these cases, multiple myeloma may be discovered early during routine blood tests.
Urine tests
Doctors may also test urine samples to help confirm a diagnosis. Multiple myeloma can cause too much protein to build up in the body. It may also stop kidneys from working properly. A sample of urine can help doctors understand how much protein is in the body. This can help track the disease and how well the body is responding to treatment.
Examination of your bone marrow
Doctors may remove a sample of bone marrow for testing. The sample is collected with a long needle inserted into a bone. This is called a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The sample is then brought to the lab where it is examined for myeloma cells.
Imaging tests
An imaging test is a way to let doctors see what’s going on inside the body. Imaging tests may be recommended to help find bone problems common with multiple myeloma. Tests may include an X-ray, MRI, CT, or positron emission tomography (PET).
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in developing a care plan and receiving appropriate care.
Related information
An introduction to common multiple myeloma blood tests and why they may be needed.
Understand common symptoms and how multiple myeloma might affect the body.
Use this tool to help you better understand your multiple myeloma lab test results.
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