Is a polyclonal raised IgG level evidence of myeloma?
No. In multiple myeloma, there is monoclonal proliferation, mostly of Kappa light chains.
Plasma cells are the cell lines that recognize antigen and produce antibiotics to fight against infections. Multiple myeloma is the cancer of plasma cells. Abnormal/cancerous plasma cells gather in bone marrow and finish normal healthy cells. These cancerous cells produce abnormal proteins. There may not be any symptoms in the beginning of the disease but in later stages: bone pains, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, confusion, fatigue, recurrent infections, weight loss, peripheral numbness or excessive thirst may develop. The cause of the disease is unknown. It starts with production of one cancerous cell in the bone marrow, this cell has an abnormal life span. Disease can present with following complications: Frequent infections, bone pains, progressive renal failure or anemia due low bone marrow. Once there is a doubt of presence of the conditions tests are done. Tests include: blood test for M protein, beta microglobulin. Urine tests can also confirm M protein presence. These are called Bence jones proteins. Polyclonal IgG levels may be raised but these are nonspecific. Bone marrow examination is another lab available for biopsy. Imaging labs include: MRI, PET scans.
