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Re: High IgA & IgM levels - precursors to multiple myeloma?

by needspractice on Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:16 am

JimNY,

Also ...

You might be on to something here:

After reading about the connected tissue disease, that is something I might have or something related to it.

I do have hypo-tropic scaring which I have right now, and some benign growths that you cannot see. I wonder if this directly relates to this and it very might well be.

I will have to check with my doctor on this one.

Thank you so much for all of that great information.

Please keep it coming if you have any more ...

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

needspractice

Re: High IgA & IgM levels - precursors to multiple myeloma?

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:33 am

Dear Needspractice,

I agree with the other postings. There is no evidence of a clonal plasma cell disorder. In other words, there is no evidence of MGUS, multiple myeloma, or anything else related to these conditions. You do have a mild polyclonal gammopathy, which, as others have suggested, can be an indicator of an underlying inflammatory disorder such as an autoimmune/rheumatologic disease, chronic infection (for example, HIV), or liver disease of any cause. At follow-up, consider getting liver tests, markers of inflammation (CRP, ESR), and other tests as directed by symptoms/risk factors. Normal lab value ranges are based on large cohorts of people and most people will fall within the established range. However, your doctor is right, there can be the outliers that are several standards of deviation outside of the established normal range in the absence of disease. As such, the IgA and IgM levels may mean nothing. I would consider the other conditions outlined above and in other posts and go from there.

I hope you find an answer, but be thankful you do not have a clonal plasma cell disorder!

Take care!

Pete V.

Dr. Peter Voorhees
Name: Peter Voorhees, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor

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