[Lynsdoc]

Is a diagnosis possible without a bone marrow biopsy?

by Lynsdoc on Mon Nov 16, 2015 4:35 pm

Hi All

I am wondering if you can help me, My mum is being tested for myeloma. She has had some blood tests and was told by the haematologist that it was probably MGUS. She had a skeletal survey last Monday and has now had a phone call asking her to come and see the specialist tomorrow.

Will she be given a diagnosis without having a bone marrow biopsy?

Thank you for your help

Lynsie

[Multibilly]

Re: Is a diagnosis possible without a bone marrow biopsy?

by Multibilly on Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:31 pm

Hi Lynsdoc,

She could be given a preliminary diagnosis based on only her initial blood and xray test results without the benefit of a bone marrow biopsy. If the doc proceeds with ordering a bone marrow biopsy (BMB), then the diagnosis could potentially be altered in the future, depending on what the BMB subsequently reveals.

As an example, a patient might get an initial diagnosis of MGUS, only to later find that they have a bone marrow plasma percentage that is greater than 10% (as revealed by a BMB). The doc would then step up the diagnosis from MGUS to smoldering multiple myeloma based on the new finding from the BMB. This is in fact what happened to me when I was first diagnosed.

BTW, if her markers are only just a tad out of range and she is otherwise in good health, the doctor may choose to hold off doing a BMB until such a time that the markers headed south.

[Lynsdoc]

Re: Is a diagnosis possible without a bone marrow biopsy?

by Lynsdoc on Tue Nov 17, 2015 5:17 am

Thanks Multibilly

We should find out more today at the appointment. She had a letter saying - "review would be scheduled in January". So I presume they have picked up on something on the skeletal survey. My mum does have a fracture in her back, but the consultant was aware of this. I think it's the fear of the unknown at the moment

Thank you for your help,

Lynsie