
Being diagnosed with cancer is overwhelming in and of itself. The massive amounts of testing only add to the stress that comes. Knowing which tests you will get and what they are needed for can reduce the impact of these stressors.
Here are the basic tests done, the purpose of the test, what the doctors are looking for, and the methods done in administration of the test.
Myeloma Blood Tests
Purpose: Diagnosis and classification of multiple myeloma
What Are They Looking For: To find levels of monoclonal or M proteins, establish blood cell count and types of antibodies in the blood, create a chemistry profile, and evaluate the freelite serum free light chain assay or Bence Jones Proteins.
Methods: Draw blood using a needle
Pain Level: Minimal
Urine Tests
Purpose: Check for renal failure and diagnose multiple myeloma
What Are They Looking For: Assess kidney function, evaluate the freelite serum free light chain assay or Bence Jones Proteins.
Methods: Simple urine sample and a 24-hour urine collection
Pain Level: None, but carrying around your jug for 24-hours to collect urine can be inconvenient and takes some planning.
Bone Marrow Tests
Purpose: Diagnosis and classification of multiple myeloma
What Are They Looking For: Calculate the percentage and number of multiple myeloma cells
Methods: Biopsy of bone marrow liquid with a needle
Pain Level: Can be quite painful, depending on the patient's tolerance and the person conducting the biopsy. Patients may request pain medications or to put under local anesthesia.
Imaging Tests
Purpose: Check for bone and chromosomal damage and classify multiple myeloma
What Are They Looking For: Establish the presence of lesions and structural changes
Methods: Skeletal Survey, X-Ray, MRI, CT, PET, Karyotyping, and FISH
Pain Level: Minimal
For more information
Myeloma Crowd's Myeloma Stages page
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's Diagnostic Tests
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's Diagnostic Criteria
Cancer.net's Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

about the author
Lora Jensen
Lora is an Editorial Contributor for the Myeloma Crowd and proud mom of 6 kids and 5 grandkids. In addition to supporting myeloma patients, she loves creating fun parties and activities for her grandkids to enjoy.
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