I had a SPEP test two weeks ago along with some other lab tests. The results say
"abnormal pattern identified which is not fully diagnostic; however, the pattern raised the possibility of a weak restricted band. Advise clinical correlation."
The test was run by a rheumatologist. I have a high 29 RA factor and what I think is early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms of fatigue and carpal tunnel, low platelets, a little low white blood cell count and low iron. This test was one of the tests along with ones for Lyme disease. I don't have Lyme. He told me to come back to see him in 4 months.
I gave the results to my internist who said I have rheumatoid arthritis. 2 years ago I had breast cancer, so I gave the results to my oncologist, and she got me a hematologist appointment for next week.
My mother has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and so does her first cousin. I've done some genetic testing and a HAL B14 allele I carry on my cells from a mutation in the CYP21A2 gene is linked to non-Hodgkins.
I suppose I'll find out Tuesday, but thanks in advance for any insights you guys may be able to provide.
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Re: SPEP "abnormal pattern" & "weak restricted band"?
I'm glad that you showed the results of your tests to your oncologist and that she got you an appointment so quickly. You don't state what other tests were done, but they obviously tripped an alarm with your oncologist.
Hopefully your appointment Tuesday will calm your mind and give you some information. You might have lots more blood tests done, possibly a bone marrow biopsy, 24 hour urine collection and scans of some kind (skeletal x-ray, Ct, or MRI) depending on what the hematologist oncologist is thinking. And, then again, you might not need anything else at this point.
Sending you well wishes for Tuesday. Let us know what happens. We are here for you.
Nancy in Phila
Hopefully your appointment Tuesday will calm your mind and give you some information. You might have lots more blood tests done, possibly a bone marrow biopsy, 24 hour urine collection and scans of some kind (skeletal x-ray, Ct, or MRI) depending on what the hematologist oncologist is thinking. And, then again, you might not need anything else at this point.
Sending you well wishes for Tuesday. Let us know what happens. We are here for you.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: SPEP "abnormal pattern" & "weak restricted band"?
Thank you, Nancy, for your reply. I too was really happy and felt like I'm in good hands that my oncologist made this hematologist appointment happen. I'm bringing my son with me. But it might be a good idea to have my mother with me too.
I'll keep you posted.
Shari
I'll keep you posted.
Shari
Re: SPEP "abnormal pattern" & "weak restricted band"?
Hi guys,
I got a lab test back. I have high immunoglobulin M. At 806 mg/dl, it seems much higher than the normal range.
Should I begin to panic? Okay, I know that is not going to help me. I logged into my doctor's portal and got this info before them.
What is my next move?
I got a lab test back. I have high immunoglobulin M. At 806 mg/dl, it seems much higher than the normal range.
Should I begin to panic? Okay, I know that is not going to help me. I logged into my doctor's portal and got this info before them.
What is my next move?
Re: SPEP "abnormal pattern" & "weak restricted band"?
Shacherry,
You really need to have results of any reported M-spike (also known as M-protein, paraprotein, abnormal protein band) level from the SPEP and the results from the serum immunofixation test to determine if the elevated IgM level is due to a polyclonal or monoclonal protein process.
The M-spike from the SPEP would be reported in g/dL or some similar unit and may be outlined in a separate notation on the SPEP report. If no m-spike could be measured, then you are likely looking at a polyclonal process.
Elevated polyclonal IgM levels can occur in patients with hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, connective tissue diseases, and infections.
Elevated monoclonal IgM levels can occur with Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, IgM MGUS and related diseases. IgM-type myeloma is quite rare and is therefore unlikely.
So, as you can see, you can't just go off the IgM level. You need to know the nature of what kind of clonal process caused the increased IgM level. You should also check the lab results for your serum kappa and lambda free light chain values.
You really need to have results of any reported M-spike (also known as M-protein, paraprotein, abnormal protein band) level from the SPEP and the results from the serum immunofixation test to determine if the elevated IgM level is due to a polyclonal or monoclonal protein process.
The M-spike from the SPEP would be reported in g/dL or some similar unit and may be outlined in a separate notation on the SPEP report. If no m-spike could be measured, then you are likely looking at a polyclonal process.
Elevated polyclonal IgM levels can occur in patients with hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, connective tissue diseases, and infections.
Elevated monoclonal IgM levels can occur with Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, IgM MGUS and related diseases. IgM-type myeloma is quite rare and is therefore unlikely.
So, as you can see, you can't just go off the IgM level. You need to know the nature of what kind of clonal process caused the increased IgM level. You should also check the lab results for your serum kappa and lambda free light chain values.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: SPEP "abnormal pattern" & "weak restricted band"?
Multibilly,
I'm floored with how knowledgeable you and your fellow forum members are.
The Protein Electrophoresis showed no spike of anything. That must be a really good sign. My bilirubin is high and the albumin plasma is low. The IgM is 806 mg/dl and high. 300 is the normal high end.
I suppose I have to wait till the hematologist comes back from vacation Tuesday. I've been fatigued and not right since September. I'm sure a few more days is not going to hurt me.
Thank you,
Shari
I'm floored with how knowledgeable you and your fellow forum members are.
The Protein Electrophoresis showed no spike of anything. That must be a really good sign. My bilirubin is high and the albumin plasma is low. The IgM is 806 mg/dl and high. 300 is the normal high end.
I suppose I have to wait till the hematologist comes back from vacation Tuesday. I've been fatigued and not right since September. I'm sure a few more days is not going to hurt me.
Thank you,
Shari
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