What is paraprotein?
paraprotein is an abnormal immunoglobulin fragment detected in the blood or urine, which usually testifies to basic malignant diseases such as multiple myeloma. It is often the only by -product of a tumor cell. If parapriceins are found in blood or urine and no other malignant disease has been diagnosed for at least five years, their presence is considered a state called benign paraproteinaemia. Before the passage of five years, the state is known as monoclonal gamopathy of uncertain meaning (MGUS). They are often detected in patients who are diagnosed with sarcoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patients with compromised immunity, such as patients who have recently undergone bone marrow transplantation, are likely to have parapriceins in the blood, while the immune system is rebuilt.
Most often, paraprotdetting EIN leads to the diagnosis of myelomatosis, also called multiple myeloma, which is cancer of plasma cells. In addition to the paraproteins in the bloodThe serum or urine will degrade bone tissues and increased plasma cells in the bone marrow. Normal production of antibodies is interrupted by paraproteins, causing reduced immune defense. It is possible to have a diagnosis of multiple myeloma without the confirmed presence of paraproteins, but it is rare.
with myelomatosis, paraprotein deposits may develop in the kidneys, causing renal function to reduce. Blood tests will show elevated creatine levels, indicating the kidneys. Hypercalcaemia, which is an elevated calcium level detected in the bloodstream, may indicate the need to test the presence of specific paraproteins. Blood calcium levels increase because the destruction of bone cells osteoclasticlastyuvoling calcium into the body.
For determining the importance of detected paraprotein, a process called protein electrophoresis is performed. Paraproteins appear as changing narrow belts on the testThe strip, which allows the laboratory to decide what type of paraprotein is present in the blood or urine. These tests can provide an early indication of malignant prognosis.
Persons with paraprotein found in urine or blood serum will have to have regular blood tests every three months, although it is determined that their condition is benign. The tests will monitor any increase in paraprotein concentration. Changing the concentration or type of paraprotein may be the first indicator of developing malignant state.