Prompt diagnosis of
myeloma, followed by accurate staging – identifying how far the disease has
progressed – are key to developing an effective treatment plan.
Because myeloma doesn’t
always produce symptoms, it’s sometimes diagnosed when patients undergo blood
tests for another suspected condition. In other cases, a patient’s doctor might
order a variety of diagnostic tests if he or she suspects myeloma.
At UT Southwestern Medical
Center, we use the latest in advanced imaging, laboratory analysis, and genetic
testing to ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis of myeloma.
Our specialized
pathologists, called hematopathologists, are uniquely trained to identify and
classify different types of myeloma.
Diagnostic Tests for Myeloma
After a physical exam and
a discussion of a patient’s medical history and symptoms, we usually order
testing. These tests can include:
- Blood or urine
analysis to confirm the presence of amyloid (myeloma’s hallmark protein),
as well as other proteins, antibodies, and blood components
- X-rays to detect bone lesions, which are common among patients
with myeloma
- Bone marrow biopsy
to detect an excess of cancerous plasma cells in the bone marrow
- Tissue biopsy to look
for a buildup of amyloid
- Imaging studies,
such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) to visualize tumors and guide biopsies
- Whole-skeletal MRI
in patients who are at early stages of myeloma, to locate subtle bone
lesions
- Specialized DNA and
chromosomal testing to help guide treatment decisions
Staging
Once myeloma has been diagnosed, we’ll classify
it by stage to indicate how much disease is present and whether it has affected
the bones or organs. This information helps us determine the best treatment
strategy to meet the needs of each patient.
