[WholeNotherWorld]

Signal alteration suspicious for early myeloma changes?

by WholeNotherWorld on Sat Nov 24, 2018 3:26 pm

Hi,

My husband was diagnosed with intermediate-risk smoldering multiple myeloma exactly 2 years ago. All imaging (PET at diagnosis and sequential MRIs since then) have all been completely negative for any evidence of myeloma.

His recent quarterly MRI results read:

"Tiny areas of signal alteration most visible in the thoracic and lumbar spine suspicious for early changes of myeloma. Similar changes seen in upper sacrum."

I understand that a measured lesion > 5 millimeter is an important 'line in the sand.' I also under­stand that specific described patterns such as diffuse, focal, or salt and pepper are signifi­cant.

Since there are no dimensions on the lesion(s), nor specific patterns mentioned, does anyone have insight in under­standing where we are with respect to bone involvement?

The rest of his quarterly labs are rolling in, and there are several key results turning abnormal, or more abnormal than they were last quarter.

Thank you in advance for your insight and experience. This website remains a lifeline to us in under­standing myeloma.

[Foundry738]

Re: Signal alteration suspicious for early myeloma changes?

by Foundry738 on Sun Nov 25, 2018 1:08 am

I have industrial radiography experience in interpreting images and suggest that you go back to the MRI lab to ask for clarification, specifically regarding any correlation with the terms that you mention.

All of them are a type of "signal alteration" since the altering of the signal is what produces various images. Radiographers develop various descriptive terms for the image pattern that they perceive and this laboratory is being descriptive without getting into the tedious aspect of measuring every area for size, number and spacing, which, in my opinion, gives a false sense of accuracy.

[WholeNotherWorld]

Re: Signal alteration suspicious for early myeloma changes?

by WholeNotherWorld on Mon Nov 26, 2018 4:14 pm

Thank you Foundry738.

We appreciate your insight regarding the MRI interpretation. I have observed that radiology 'speak' can be fuzzy at times.

We have our quarterly monitoring performed at a community hospital, and our Moffitt myeloma specialist sees us once a year (up to this point). We now have a CD of the recent MRI images, the report, and the balance of the other quarterly labs in our hands. We will be heading south soon. Perhaps the Moffitt folks can be more specific about what the images and the labs reveal.

It is stressful, especially this time of year, to ramp up the 'waiting for the shoe to drop' mentality. Perhaps that is one of the many blessings / curses of this disease, forewarning with time to adjust and learn, balanced with trepidation of the impending.

All we can do is keep moving forward. Thank you Beacon!