Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis:

In some cases, the diagnosis of multiple myeloma will be made using a routine blood test after an x-ray for a broken bone. However, in most cases, multiple myeloma will be diagnosed after a patient goes to his or her doctor for relief from symptoms of the disease. If a person has possible multiple myeloma symptoms, the doctor will most likely need to perform a physical exam and ask about the patient's personal and family medical history. In order to make a multiple myeloma diagnosis, the doctor will also usually recommend additional tests and procedures.

Tests and procedures that may be used to make a multiple myeloma diagnosis include:
 

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• X-rays
• Biopsy.

Blood Tests
After blood is taken, the lab will check the level of blood cells and other substances. Myeloma causes a high level of plasma cells, calcium, and certain proteins and in some cases, anemia. The lab will check for M protein, beta-2-microglobulin, and other proteins.
 
Urine Tests
After urine has been taken, the lab will check the sample for Bence Jones protein, which is a type of M protein in urine. The lab will measure the amount of Bence Jones protein in the urine collected over a 24-hour period. If the lab finds a high level of Bence Jones protein in the urine sample, doctors will need to monitor the patient's kidneys because Bence Jones protein can clog the kidneys and damage them.

X-rays
Patients may need x-rays to check for broken or thinning bones.
 
Biopsy
In order to perform a biopsy, the doctor will need to remove tissue to look for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only sure way to determine if myeloma cells are in the bone marrow. The doctor will remove some bone marrow from the hipbone or another large bone, and patients receive local anesthesia to reduce their discomfort. A pathologist will then use a microscope to check the tissue for cancer cells. There are two ways in which the doctor can obtain bone marrow: bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy. In a bone marrow aspiration, the doctor will use a thin needle to remove samples of bone marrow. In a bone marrow biopsy, the doctor will use a thick needle to remove a small piece of bone and bone marrow.