Multiple myeloma is a condition where the growth of plasma cells multiplies more than the normal count. The overgrowth of plasma cells reduces the production of healthy blood cells. The role of plasma or white blood cells is to strengthen our immune system which protects our body from infections. The overproduction of the plasma cells leads to the formation of myeloma cells. These cells produce abnormal proteins that affect the normal process of the immune system and leads to severe complications.

Symptoms for the different stages of multiple myeloma
Symptoms for multiple myeloma are very rare and hard to determine at the early stages. Some of the common symptoms for the different stages of multiple myeloma are:

• Bone pain in the spine or chest area
• Feeling tired
• Lack of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Fatigue
• Feeling disoriented and sudden mood swings
• Constipation
• Feeling weak along with numb legs
• Frequent infections
• Feeling thirsty all the time

Diagnosis for the different stages of multiple myeloma
Most often multiple myeloma is diagnosed through a blood test during regular checkups. Sometimes doctors may suspect multiple myeloma depending on the symptoms of it. Patients are advised to undergo certain tests to diagnose the problem and to check the different stages of multiple myeloma.

Blood tests
The presence of M protein and another abnormal protein called beta-2 microglobulin during the blood test indicates the existence of multiple myeloma. This helps in determining the growth rate of myeloma cells. Other blood tests are done to check the functionality of the kidney and levels of calcium, uric acid, and healthy blood cells. The blood test plays an important role in confirming the different stages of multiple myeloma.

Urine tests
Urine analysis is done to check for the presence of M proteins called Bence Jones proteins to confirm the presence of multiple myeloma.

Examination of your bone marrow
A sample of bone marrow is removed by the specialist and it is sent for laboratory testing. The procedure to remove a sample of bone marrow is done by inserting a long needle into a bone. This procedure is also called a bone biopsy and bone marrow aspiration. These samples are examined in a laboratory to look for myeloma cells. The presence of myeloma cells is confirmed by performing some special tests such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to recognize genetic abnormalities. The tests also help in measuring the growth rate of myeloma cells.

Imaging tests
Once multiple myeloma is detected through blood, urine and biopsy test, the patient is advised to go through imaging tests to find the location of the tumor and the areas spread inside the body. Some of the common imaging tests are:

• X-ray
  Images of the body are taken with the help of electromagnetic radiation
• MRI scan
  Patient is made to lie on a table while detailed images of the body are captured through powerful magnetic and radio waves
• CT scan
  It is also known as computerized tomography. In this test, the patient lies down on a table and a series of X-ray beams are targeted at the patient’s body from different angles to get detailed images of internal organs.
• PET scan
  It is also known as positron emission tomography in which 3-dimensional color images are taken with the help of radiation.