What is M band?

SPEP is a simple lab technique where the serum is applied on a support medium and exposed to an electric current. The different fractions of the serum proteins separate usually into 5 bands, as – the albumin, α₁, α₂, β, and the γ globulin fractions.

What is M band in electrophoresis?

Serum protein electrophoresis is most commonly ordered when multiple myeloma is suspected and observation of a monoclonal band (M band, paraprotein) indicates that monoclonal gammopathy may be present in the patient.

Does M protein mean cancer?

Finding M proteins in the blood or urine is usually a sign of disease. Their presence is associated most commonly with a type of cancer of the plasma cells called multiple myeloma.

What is considered a high level of M protein?

High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis. The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma.

Does M Spike mean myeloma?

these malignant plasma cells, or myeloma cells, accumulate in the bone marrow. immunoglobulin, called the M- protein, or M- spike, or paraprotein or myeloma protein. It can be detected in the blood and/or the urine of most myeloma patients.

Is light chain myeloma aggressive?

When myeloma progresses, the myeloma cells start to produce more light chains than heavy chains. This can be measured by the Free Light Chain Assay test on a blood specimen. In general, the higher the free light chains, the more aggressive the disease is.

What diseases cause M spike?

Other diseases that can present with an M spike, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, B and T cell lymphomas, chronic myeloid leukemia and other PC dyscrasias (systemic AL amyloidosis, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) and heavy chain disease) should also be excluded before making a diagnosis of MGUS.

How do you rule out multiple myeloma?

Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma

1. Blood counts. The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood.
2. Blood chemistry tests.
3. Urine tests.
4. Quantitative immunoglobulins.
5. Electrophoresis.
6. Serum free light chains.
7. Beta-2 microglobulin.
8. Bone marrow biopsy.

What does electrophoresis test for?

What is this test? Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood. The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins.

Can you have multiple myeloma without M protein?

Non-secretory Myeloma Some people with multiple myeloma don’t make enough M proteins or light chains for tests to show they have it. This is called non-secretory myeloma. A bone marrow biopsy can help diagnose this type of myeloma.

What are the three stages of multiple myeloma?

In this system, there are three stages of myeloma: Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III. The stage depends on factors including:

• The amount of myeloma cells in the body.
• The amount of damage the myeloma cells have caused to the bone.
• Levels of M-protein in the blood or urine.
• Blood calcium levels.
• Albumin and hemoglobin levels.

Does high kappa light chain mean myeloma?

While increased numbers of either arm, called kappa or lambda light chains, is likely bad news that may ultimately mean multiple myeloma, to more accurately diagnose and monitor the condition, we need to evaluate the concentrations of each light chain differently, investigators report.

Can you live 20 years with multiple myeloma?

The SEER(Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) data for multiple myeloma has been published in 2013 by the National Cancer Institute, and the average life expectancy remains at 4 years for the third year in a row. However, some people beat the odds and live 10 to 20 years or more.

What are the final stages of multiple myeloma?

As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you’ll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.

What are the symptoms of Stage 2 multiple myeloma?

Stage 2. Classification of stage 2 multiple myeloma occurs with test results that are between the levels expected for stage 1 and stage 3. Stage 2 indicates the progression of the cancer. A person may start to experience symptoms, such as bone pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue.