Physical exam and Medical History:

The doctor checks the patient and tries to find out the probable cause of Myeloma.  He also asks about the medical history, previous cancer history and family history.

Following test help in the definitive diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma

Blood tests:

Several blood tests are performed to check the different things like:

Protein level:

This cancer may increase the level of some proteins such as M protein and other immunoglobulins (antibodies), albumin, and beta-2-microglobulin in the blood therefore doctor check the level of these proteins.

Blood cells count:

Anemia, low level of blood cells and platelets may be resulted just because of Multiple Myeloma therefore complete blood count  is administered in order to check the level of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.

Creatinine:

This laboratory test is performed to check whether the kidneys are working properly or not.

Calcium level:

The doctor also checks the calcium levels.

Urine tests:

In this test the level of Bence Jones protein, a type of M protein in the urine is checked by the doctors. The high level of this protein increases the risk of Myeloma cancer.

X-rays:

Bone x-ray is done to check how many bones are damages by Myeloma cancer.

Biopsy:

This test is the best way to check whether myeloma cells are present in patient’s bone marrow.  Before performing this test the doctor numbs the area with the local anesthesia that provides relief from the pain caused by this test. After this he removes some bone marrow from hip bone or another large bone. The tissue is examined by a pathologist under microscope.

The doctor uses two methods to get the bone marrow sample.

Bone marrow aspiration:

In this method the doctor get the sample of bone marrow with the mean of a hollow think needle.
Bone marrow biopsy:

The physician removes small piece of bone and bone marrow by using a thick, hollow needle.

Research shows that this disease is uncommon in the people who are under age 40.But the chances of Myeloma become some what significant after age 65.  It mean for the older people, the risk of Myeloma cancerous cells growth is more than that of people who are under age 40.

It is also apparent by one study that race is also a considerable risk factor or cause of Myeloma cancer. This cancer is highest among African American and is lowest among Asian countries. Not only the race but also the gender play its role in Myeloma cancer; as each year in US more man in comparison of woman become the victim of this disease. It is not know what the exact reason behind both racial is and gender risk factor.

Family history is another cause of Myeloma cancer, it is said that person’s risk increase in case when his/her close relative had this cancer. Some medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, infection, or long term inflammatory illness may turn out to be the probable cause of cancer.

Lower immunity may results Myeloma tumors in the person ,when he takes HIV or AIDS or medicines after an organ transplant his immunity power reduces and in turn cause this disease.

Myeloma   tumor  also originates due to MGUS , it is the rare medical condition in which abnormal plasma cells start developing M proteins. There are no symptoms and treatments of this condition only test reveal it. That’s why doctors also consider MGUS a factor of risk for Myeloma cancer .

In addition to all above factor, there are some less common factors that lead to this disease. One research shows that the one who exposed to certain chemicals at work may have an increased risk of myeloma. However this study is not fully proved as yet. Risk intensifies for those who have been exposed to high levels of radiation in the past

Researchers also said that  when a person eats a lot of fish, cabbage, cauliflower or broccoli then his risk of becoming the Myeloma victim may trim down.

The person who is suffering from Myeloma cancer is feeling acute pain in the bone, especially in pelvis, spine and ribcage; the pain become severe with the frequent movement of patient. Some other areas of human body are probably affected with the Myeloma cancerous cells but their affect in the bone is more unsympathetic.

The usual and common symptoms of Myeloma cancer that are observed in the patient are anemia, adverse infection and failure of kidney. As the formation and development of Myeloma cancerous cells is varied among various patients so this change is also observed in the symptoms of myeloma.

The diagnosis of Myeloma cancer include the complete examination of physical health of patient and take a record of medical history for the identification of  exact condition and stage of disease. An important thing in the diagnosis is the different laboratory tests such as urine test and blood tests. The indicators of Myeloma cancer ,that assist in the determination of  Myeloma cancer stage and condition ,are high and elevated level of paraprotien and calcium. When the physician has any doubt about the myeloma cancer then he move further with other type of physical examination and tests so that a clear sign of disease can be observed. CT scan (computed tomograpghy) and skeletal survey are two other helpful tests use in the complete diagnosis of Myeloma cancerous cells. There are a number of options that are applied for treatment of Myeloma cancer such as Steroids and chemotheraphy etc.