What is considered a high free kappa light chain?

Normal test results for free light chains are: 3.3 to 19.4 mg/L kappa free light chains. 5.71 to 26.3 mg/L lambda free light chains. 0.26 to 1.65 ratio of kappa/lambda.

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.

What if kappa is high and lambda is normal?

Re: High kappa, normal lambda and normal ratio

Your kappa chains are very slightly raised but the kappa/lambda ratio is normal which is reassuring. These results are not suggestive of a monoclonal gammopathy. It is probably worth repeating the tests.

What causes elevated Kappa free light chains?

Elevated kappa and lambda (K/L) free light chain (FLC) may occur due to polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia or impaired renal clearance. A specific increase in FLC (eg, FLC K:L ratio) must be demonstrated for diagnostic purposes.

What happens if kappa light chain is high?

A kappa free light chain test is a quick blood test that measures certain proteins in your blood. High levels of these proteins may mean you have a plasma cell disorder. A healthcare provider might order a kappa free light chain test if you have symptoms such as bone pain or fatigue.

What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary and, early in the disease, there may be none. When signs and symptoms do occur, they can include: Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest. Nausea.

What is the most definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of multiple myeloma?

Bone x-rays

X-rays can detect bone destruction caused by the myeloma cells. Often doctors will do a series of x-rays that includes most of the bones. This is called a bone survey or skeletal survey.

Which is worse kappa or lambda myeloma?

Patients with lambda light chain disease have a three times worse prognosis than kappa light chain disease.

When should you suspect multiple myeloma?

19 Multiple myeloma should be considered as a diagnosis in patients over 50 years of age with back pain persisting more than one month if one or more red flags (Table 1) are identified.

What triggers myeloma?

What Are Its Causes? Exposure to toxic chemicals, atomic radiation, anything that interferes with the immune system, or infection with cancer-causing viruses have all been implicated as causes or triggers of myeloma. Toxic chemicals that have been identified include: benzene.

Who is most likely to get multiple myeloma?

Myeloma occurs most commonly in people over 60. The average age at diagnosis is 70. Only 2% of cases occur in people under 40. Race.

Is myeloma a death sentence?

Today, a multiple myeloma diagnosis is no longer a death sentence because our community’s efforts have helped bring 11 new drugs through FDA-approval.

Is myeloma an autoimmune disease?

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common hematologic malignancies and has been described in the context of a variety of autoimmune conditions.

What does myeloma back pain feel like?

Bone pain. Multiple myeloma can cause pain in affected bones – usually the back, ribs or hips. The pain is frequently a persistent dull ache, which may be made worse by movement.

What viruses cause multiple myeloma?

Human herpesvirus-8 has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of KS, BCBL, and multicentric Castleman’s disease. Evidence for its role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma is accumulating. Human herpesvirus-8 is detectable in the nonmalignant bone marrow dendritic cells from most myeloma patients.

Can you have lupus and multiple myeloma?

The coexistence of systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and multiple myeloma (MM) is uncommon and the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We report the case of a woman who was diagnosed with SLE in 1993 aged 57, then developing IgA lambda type MM in the IIB clinical stage 7 years later.

Are MS and multiple myeloma related?

A bone marrow aspirate and biopsy showed a marked increase in plasma cells, many of which appeared immature. These findings fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma. The association of multiple myeloma with multiple sclerosis may not be coincidental.

Is lymphoma and myeloma the same?

Multiple myeloma (MM) and lymphoma are both cancers that affect cells in a person’s blood. MM is a cancer of plasma cells, while lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes.

Do you lose your hair with lupus?

Unfortunately, yes. Lupus causes widespread inflammation that usually involves your skin — particularly on your face and scalp. Lupus can cause the hair on your scalp to gradually thin out, although a few people lose clumps of hair. Loss of eyebrow, eyelash, beard and body hair also is possible.

Is lupus a death sentence?

Lupus is not a death sentence. Most patients live normal, healthy, and full lives. They may need to modify things such as sun exposure, stress levels, etc. to maintain good health. ï‚ž It is important that you see a rheumatologist and follow his/her recommendations.

What does a lupus rash look like on arms?

Ring-shaped rash

In people with subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), the rash looks like scaly red patches or ring shapes. This rash usually appears on parts of the body that are exposed to sun, such as the arms, shoulders, neck, chest, and trunk.

Does lupus cause weight gain?

Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain. Weight loss may be unintentional and due to decreased appetite or problems with the digestive system (see ‘Digestive system’ below). It can also be a side effect of some medications used to treat lupus.