[Anita_S]

High rheumatoid factor leading to myeloma diagnosis?

by Anita_S on Mon May 19, 2014 9:16 pm

Hello, I was wondering if anyone else was referred for further testing for myeloma based on a high rheumatoid factor (RF).

Initially my rheumatoid factor was 80 and is now 176. Although I have joint pain in multiple areas, I have seen a specialist and rheumatoid arthritis has been ruled out. I was referred to a hematologist/oncologists for further testing since I showed a M spike which is only 0.3 and has not changed in four years, although the RF has almost doubled.

I was supposed to have a bone marrow biopsy four years ago but honestly was too scared. Since my new labs have come back I figure the best thing to do is go back to what the RA specialists initially said needed to be done which is to consult with the hematologist.

[Lilac]

Re: High rheumatoid factor leading to myeloma diagnosis?

by Lilac on Tue Mar 21, 2017 10:35 am

This article might be relevant:

Tula, CJ, et al, "Connective tissue disease manifested as multiple myeloma," South Med J. 1984 Dec;77(12):1580-1.

Abstract:

A diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis was made in five women in whom multiple myeloma was first suspected. All had mild symptoms of sicca or arthritis, positive tests for rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibody, and markedly increased IgG immunoglobulins. A connective tissue disorder may produce the characteristic electrophoretic pattern of multiple myeloma.