Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis
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Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma
If you possess any of the potential symptoms of multiple myeloma, consult your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may suggest a variety of diagnostic tests and tools in order to determine the origins of the problem.
Your doctor may first order urine and blood tests to check for irregularities. Depending on the results, he or she may then continue with a bone marrow aspiration or imaging studies. Imaging studies will reveal potential secondary sites affected by the disease.
Diagnostic Tests for Multiple Myeloma
Bone marrow aspiration- During this procedure, your doctor will use a needle to take a small bone marrow sample. This may be done around the hip or breast bone area. The sample will then be examined under a microscope to determine whether or not cancerous cells are present.
X-rays- This form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation is used in its lower intensity form to construct internal images in the body for cancer diagnosis and staging.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)- A sophisticated nuclear scanning technique used to create detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body, which requires that the patient is injected with a glucose substance. The positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be used to detect cancerous tissue and cells in the body that may not always be found through CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
MRI - Short for magnetic resonance imaging, MRI is an imaging technique used to create detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the inside of the body. Using radiofrequency waves, powerful magnets, and a computer, MRI systems are able to distinguish between normal and diseased tissue.
CT scan - Short for computed tomography, a CT scan is an X-ray procedure that uses a computer to generate three-dimensional, cross-sectional images of the body. In some cases, a CT scan can show diseased tissue and other affected areas that conventional X-rays may miss.
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