[Arizonan]

Early clue to myeloma diagnosis?

by Arizonan on Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:19 am

I was diagnosed with myeloma in April 2010 -- my kappa light chains were 800 then. After chemo and transplant my KLCs have been 7-20 since August 2010.

My question is whether either of these clues might help people know they might have myeloma at an earlier point. In my case I had:

-- foamy urine for a few months prior to diagnosis

-- a hard-to-remove buildup on my underarm hair for a few years before diagnosis

After treatment the hair buildup went away but the foamy urine didn't.

Could either of these be clues to help others get an earlier diagnosis?

Thanks.

[Dr. Adam Cohen]

Re: Early clue to myeloma diagnosis?

by Dr. Adam Cohen on Tue Sep 27, 2011 10:16 pm

Foamy urine can definitely be seen with myeloma and usually reflects the abnormal light chains or other proteins being excreted in the urine. As you suggest, this is a great clue to early diagnosis. Hair build-up isn't commonly described with myeloma and probably was unrelated.
Adam C.

[Arizonan]

Re: Early clue to myeloma diagnosis?

by Arizonan on Wed Sep 28, 2011 2:21 am

Thanks for your reply.

[Arthurg]

Re: Early clue to myeloma diagnosis?

by Arthurg on Sun Oct 09, 2011 12:07 pm

I've been diagnosed with smoldering myeloma (IGg Lambda). During a recent skeletal scan, I was found to have "apparent dysplasia of the left glenoid of the scapula" as well as degenerative changes in the cervical and thoracic spine.

My oncologist says that she will continue to monitor but no treatment is needed for now. However, I failed to ask if the bone findings are potentially related to smoldering myeloma, and if they suggest anything about my prognosis. For that matter, what is dysplasia?

[Billy1]

Re: Early clue to myeloma diagnosis?

by Billy1 on Sun Oct 09, 2011 5:08 pm

Arthurg wrote:
> I've been diagnosed with smoldering myeloma (IGg Lambda). During a recent
> skeletal scan, I was found to have "apparent dysplasia of the left
> glenoid of the scapula" as well as degenerative changes in the
> cervical and thoracic spine.
>
> My oncologist says that she will continue to monitor but no treatment is
> needed for now. However, I failed to ask if the bone findings are
> potentially related to smoldering myeloma, and if they suggest anything
> about my prognosis. For that matter, what is dysplasia?
Hello Arthurg:

dyspasia means Abnormal development of tissues, organs or cells. Many times an MRI is performed if problems are found on skeletal X-ray survey.

Billy1