[Diagnosis of paraproteinemic hemoblastoses]

The finding of monoclonal immunoglobulins is highly significant in the diagnosis of myeloma or macroglobulinemia Waldenström. The appearance of a homogeneous peak in serum- and/or urine electrophoresis is an important sign. However, the final diagnosis and the type of immunoglobulin involved can only be established by immunoelectrophoresis. Further important markers are: a tumorous or diffuse "lymphoplasmoid" infiltration of the bone marrow or of other organs, typical skeletal lesions and typical haematological findings in the clinical course of the patient. The diagnosis of myeloma or Waldenströms disease can be set up without doubt if two of the four markers mentioned above are present.