[Slcoppedge]

Abnormal protein band 1 = 0.1; is it myeloma?

by Slcoppedge on Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:19 am

Because of my rheumatologist's passing in February, I sought a new doc. He ran all new blood­work (I have fibromyalgia, migraines, and hip dysplasia). I've been suffering for years. A friend swears I have lupus, but supposedly that's been ruled out.

The new blood work came back and it concerns me but, at the same time, I just want answers so I can feel better. The new rheum won't see me for months. (These results surprise me because I wasn't even flaring and was having a fairly good day when I went to give the blood).

Please advise:

Only out of range results are:

Abnormal Protein Band 1. 0.1 H
Interpretation: Possible Monoclonal Protein Present
MPV: 7.4 (range 7.5-11.5)
Vitamin D,25-OH,Total. 25 L

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[Ron Harvot]

Re: Abnormal protein band 1 = 0.1; is it myeloma?

by Ron Harvot on Mon Aug 17, 2015 2:32 pm

There are generally a number of tests that are run to determine if a person has multiple myeloma. Those include the serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), which it appears you had run. However, generally the serum immunofixation (IFE) is run at the same time. The later test tells if there is an overproduction of monoclonal protein and what its heavy and light chains consist of: for example, IgG kappa. The test I mentioned earlier (SPEP) measures the size of the M spike. Normally, a test that is over 1.0 is significant for newly diagnosed patients.

Then there is the serum free light chain assay, which gives a more detailed look at the total free light chains in the blood, splitting them further into kappa and lambda and determining if one of the chains is being overproduced in the marrow and spilling into the blood. You did not mention this test, so I assume it was not given.

If the oncologist still suspects multiple myeloma after these tests, he/she will likely order a bone marrow biopsy and a full body bone scan to see if there are any lesions. Also, a full chemistry panel and complete blood count (CBC) would be ordered.

Based on the fact that you did not indicate anything unusual with the CBC and chemistry panel, it would appear that you are not anemic, do not have elevated calcium counts, and do not have any renal problems. So, at this point, I would not suspect active multiple myeloma. The single test of 0.1 on the SPEP , since it is very low, would not get me concerned. You could wait a month or so and ask that the test be re-run along with other blood tests I mentioned. That should give you a more complete picture.

[Slcoppedge]

Re: Abnormal protein band 1 = 0.1; is it myeloma?

by Slcoppedge on Mon Aug 17, 2015 5:53 pm

I really appreciate your information. It was great seeing a realistic answer. That was more than I've received from the doctor. Do you think I should see an oncologist or hematologist? My sons have hemophilia, and I have had a doctor (when I was only 13) tell me I had "platelets" sticking in my neck (whatever that means).

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Abnormal protein band 1 = 0.1; is it myeloma?

by Ron Harvot on Mon Aug 17, 2015 10:10 pm

Talk with your doctor and see if he has a local oncologist to recommend who has experience with multiple myeloma. What you really are in search of is peace of mind.

Good luck,

Ron