Multiple myeloma, alias Kahler's disease, is a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells. The signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain, loss of appetite, frequent infections, weight loss, and weakness in the legs. The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known.
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Can multiple myeloma be diagnosed only by doing blood tests and X-rays?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 63 year old male. I have been recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. My doctor, who is listed as a hematologist or oncologist, said that I must undergo chemotherapy asap. His diagnosis was based solely on bloodwork and a full skeletal x-ray. There was no MRI or PET scan or bone ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Blood tests can provide compelling indications of myeloma; however, a marrow biopsy remains essential for confirmation. While a diagnosis can be reasonably presumed, it's imperative to undergo a bone marrow biopsy prior to commencing treatment. If visible on an X-ray, bo... Read Full »
I have intermittent blood protein levels. Is it worrisome?
Query: Hi doctor,For around seven years, my blood protein levels range from 8 to 8.6. The average of all is 8.29 and nothing showed up in urine. Is this a precursor to something? When I asked doctors, they all said that it was in guidelines and it is intermittent. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: Yes, your doctor is right. Variation in protein levels is always present. Only, if the globulin levels are too high, then it is worrisome. If the globulin levels are increasing over time, then you need to be worried. If not, ... Read Full »
Should I be screened for myeloma if my father had it?
Query: Hello doctor,My father was diagnosed with myeloma. I am 28 years old and wondering if myeloma is hereditary. And if it is then should I be screened? If so at what age?Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to the icliniq.com. The exact cause for myeloma is still not identified with 100 % results. But it is not hereditary as per a few books because it is plasma cell dyscrasia and plasma cell problem is acquired, not genetic. The causes of myeloma are as follows; 1. Radiation ex... Read Full »
Why do my temples get swollen when I chew hard food?
Query: Hi doctor, I get a swelling on the temple after chewing on hard food, for example, steak or candy. The swelling goes down after I stop eating, but the area feels numb for a long time after that. What can cause this? I have chronic urticaria and MGUS. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have carefully reviewed your health query and will answer your concerns. The issues you mentioned are related to mastication (chewing). It is a process where you have to put a lot of energy, and the muscles of mastication are widely used. It seems there is some ne... Read Full »
Why does my grandmother have a platelet count of 10,000?
Query: Hello doctor, My grandmother has a platelet count of 10,000 per microliter of blood. She is currently on her blood pressure medication. Of note, at the age of 52, she was operated on for severe menstrual bleeding. However, there is no sign of cancer in our whole family. Today is her transfusion. Wil... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have viewed the reports attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity) apart from a punched-out lesion on the skull. There seems to be no abnormality. Generally, a lytic lesion in the bones of an elderly person would raise the suspicion of multiple myel... Read Full »
My WBC is low for the past few years. Can this mean multiple myeloma?
Query: Hello doctor, For the past few years during my routine physical my WBC has been low. (2700 to 3700) Neutrophils have run a little low also. No other issues, completely healthy. My dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a few years ago but doing well. I have read about some family history with this ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. According to the history provided, your main concern is regarding fear of multiple myeloma. In case of a multiple myeloma like malignancy, there is usually the presence of weakness, fatigue and bone pain. In multiple myeloma, osteolytic bone lesions occur and so bone... Read Full »
Does my CBC history and family history of multiple myeloma indicate I am at risk?
Query: Hello doctor,I am 44 years old male. I am attaching pictures of my seven-year CBC history. Here is what happened this year. On my annual physical examination 11 months back, my WBC was low. Three months back, my GP checked it again. WBC came back in range but platelets were low. Over seven years, pl... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your CBC does not suggest multiple myeloma (attachment removed to protect patient identity). In the case of multiple myeloma, anemia can be there and clinical symptoms like a constant headache, kidney system related symptoms, etc., can be present. But as your father ... Read Full »
Do paraproteins drop without treatment? please help
Query: Hello doctor, Can paraproteins fluctuate (drop) without treatment? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. We are here to help you. Yes, the levels can vary. In fact the levels always fluctuate and hence never used as a marker of treatment response. Read Full »
Query: Hi doctor, In KFT test, the total blood protein was 7.6 mg/dL, blood serum albumin was 4.1 g/dL, and A/G ratio was 1.15. Is it indicative of myeloma in a 33-year-old male? I have high BP and high creatinine levels and I am a thalassemia minor patient. I have also taken Doppler test, ECG, echo, an... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to the icliniq.com. With passion, commitment and experience, I hope I will be able to provide you with top-class medical opinion. Your albumin and total protein levels are within the limit. But the A/G ratio is mildly decreased. Normally, it should be more than 1.5. So, your g... Read Full »
Query: Hi doctor,I am over-concerned about my health and just had my annual blood work done. Everything came back normal except for the low anion gap. It has been low for the past three times, but none of my doctors are concerned. When I looked online, it said a low score is rare and can even be because of... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read the query, and I can understand your concern. Lots of hydration or consuming electrolytes can impact the results. Therefore, you should not worry, it does not seem like multiple myeloma. For confirmation, you can test serum protein electrophoresis for M sp... Read Full »
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