What is the normal percentage of plasma cells in blood?

Normally, plasma cells make up about 2\%–3\% of the cells in bone marrow. In people with multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells make up at least 10\% of the cells in the bone marrow.

What lab values indicate multiple myeloma?

Calcium: A high level of calcium suggests active reabsorption of bone and thus active myeloma. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): A high level of this enzyme may indicate active myeloma. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine: These are indicators of kidney function.

How does multiple myeloma show up in blood work?

Blood work might reveal the abnormal cells that myeloma produces, including M proteins and beta-2-microglobulin. The type of proteins found in the blood can also confirm the aggressiveness of the myeloma. In addition, doctors can use blood work to check for blood cell counts, kidney function, and calcium levels.

What is multiple myeloma stage1?

Stage 1. In this stage, you have a relatively small number of myeloma cells in your blood and urine. Your hemoglobin levels are only slightly below normal. Bone X-rays may look normal or show only one affected area.

Is Stage 3 multiple myeloma terminal?

In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage. This means it’s the most advanced stage of this type of rare cancer. Doctors use the international staging system to determine the stage of the cancer. This system is based on the levels of serum beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin.

Is multiple myeloma a fatal disease?

Multiple myeloma used to be considered extremely deadly; today many people live with it as little more than a chronic condition. One reason it remains deadly is because many patients can’t get optimal therapy as a consequence of having existing illnesses when diagnosed with cancer.

What levels are elevated in multiple myeloma?

Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood. When myeloma is active, levels of a chemical messenger in the blood called interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated. IL-6 blocks production of albumin, so low albumin levels can signal more aggressive myeloma.

What is the most aggressive form of multiple myeloma?

Hypodiploid– Myeloma cells have fewer chromosomes than normal. This occurs in about 40\% of myeloma patients and is more aggressive.

What are plasma cells?

A type of immune cell that makes large amounts of a specific antibody. Plasma cells develop from B cells that have been activated. A plasma cell is a type of white blood cell. Also called plasmacyte.