[ddee23]

How often is multiple myeloma missed by a radiologist?

by ddee23 on Thu May 01, 2014 5:06 pm

I've been seeing a pain management specialist, a neurologist and other doctors trying to figure out the source of my pain all over my body (ribs, back, neck). I've also got a lot of numbness that gets worse with activity (arms, lower back, feet, hands).

I had a lower lumbar MRI done this past week. The radiologist noted degenerative changes and hemangioma. There were several areas on my spine that had white spots on them. There were also areas that looked like there were cracks in the vertebrae where the disks were slipping into them. None of this was mentioned. (I noticed all of this because I've had a cervical MRI and none of the disks/vertebrae looked like this).

I wondered how often multiple myeloma is missed? I've seen things like mine on other MRI's from multiple myeloma patients.

I don't want to have multiple myeloma, mind you. I just don't want it to go undiagnosed until it is in too late of a stage to be treated if I do have it. Right now, I have terrible pain in my right foot and it feels like it is broken and I have done nothing to it. I'm afraid I have some kind of fracture from nothing but living.

I don't think my doctors will do anything further now that I have a report that says I'm basically getting old. I want to know if anyone here got initial testing (imaging) that said they didn't have it and then found out later that they did.

[Mike F.]

Re: How often is multiple myeloma missed by a radiologist?

by Mike F. on Fri May 02, 2014 11:45 am

Hi -

I am not a doctor and maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in, but from what I know, your blood work would indicate myeloma if that were your issue. If your calcium levels aren't elevated and you're not anemic, then it would be unlikely that the bone problems are myeloma. If you haven't had basic blood work done in a while, then you could ask for that to be sure.

(Anyone else?)

Mike

[bluemountain]

Re: How often is multiple myeloma missed by a radiologist?

by bluemountain on Fri May 02, 2014 12:49 pm

Everyone missed mine for a long time. I had bad back problems for many years. I have an old report from a pain specialist that show a lesion on my spine in 2009 and my pain Dr. saying it is probably benign and to follow it. I was not diagnosed until March of 2012 and by then the Plasmacytoma was huge and the pain is still bad after surgery two years ago. I had a MRI in Feb 2012....the radiologist said the tumor could be Myeloma, I went to a Orthopedic Surgeon who said it was a plasmcytoma but NOT Myeloma, Primary care ran tests and said NOT Myeloma, another radiologist friend of the family said...NOT Myeloma. Finally my oncologist did a bone marrow biopsy and found a little less then 20% bad cells...with a plasmacytoma = Myeloma!! Turns out I'm non-secratory and asymptomatic .... so it is hard to find and hard to follow.

This disease is MANY diseases much like Leukemia. As this point becomes more clear targeted therapy for each individuals type will be the key.....it is a matter of time but in regards to your question, they miss this a lot!!

[ddee23]

Re: How often is multiple myeloma missed by a radiologist?

by ddee23 on Fri May 02, 2014 12:58 pm

I got a call and the report said the spots were 'Likely hemangioma'.

I have to see my neuro and get follow-up testing to confirm if it is hemangioma or something else.

I hope it is benign, but nervous at the same time.

Thank you for the replies!

[gardengirl]

Re: How often is multiple myeloma missed by a radiologist?

by gardengirl on Fri May 02, 2014 2:12 pm

Hi there. I had a cervical MRI for hand numbness and when they saw "something" I was immediately referred for a myeloma work-up. When they confirmed my diagnosis, they assumed the lesion was related. But I had it repeated 5 months later and there was no change, so they said it's probably an atypical hemangioma. I wasn't convinced, so my doctor got 3 more opinions from radiologists and they all agreed. So, never hesitate for more than one opinion. You may also want to consider labwork to rule-out myeloma, for peace of mind! Good luck to you!