A beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker This test determines the amount of a protein called beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) in body fluids. Typically, a blood sample is used for the analysis. It can also be done in urine (Urine) or rarely in cerebral fluid (CSF).
B2M is a type of tumor marker . Tumor markers -B2M is a drug often made by cancer cells or normal cells in response to cancer in the body; B2M is found in most cells in the body. Usually only small amounts of B2M are found in blood and urine. High levels of B2M in body fluids are often caused by the right kind of blood and bone marrow cancer.
- Multiple myeloma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Several types of lymphomas
A beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker This test cannot diagnose cancer or other conditions. This is because of all the criteria that have the opportunity to increase the degree of B2M. However, if you have already been diagnosed with one of these blood and bone marrow cancers, the B2M test can provide important information about your cancer, such as
- How much cancer is in your body and how fast it is growing
- How the cancer will reproduce in the future
- How helpful your treatment will be
This information will help you and your health care provider plan your treatment.
Other names: total beta-2. microglobulin Beta-2 microglobulin, B2M, B2MG, thymotaxin.
What is it used for?
A beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker Usually this test is used when a specific bone marrow or blood cancer has been determined:
- To know how much cancer is in your body
- Predict how your cancer will develop
- Select and see if it works
- Checks to see if your cancer has spread to your brain or spinal cord (only if you have symptoms)
Why do you need beta-2? microglobulin tumor marker test?
If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, lymphocytic leukemia, or certain lymph node cancers, you may need a B2M test to find out how serious your disease is The B2M test helps to keep your cancer under control and find out if treatment is remarkable
If you have multiple myeloma, you may need a B2M test to see if your cancer has spread. A urine test may also be needed to see if the disease affects the kidneys.
What Happens with Beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test?
A beta-2 microglobulin A blood sample is usually used for the test. In some cases, a 24-hour urine monster must be given. This means collecting all the urine in one day. If the doctor suspects that the cancer has spread to the brain or spine, a cerebral fluid test (CSF) can be done.
To analyze the blood, a medical professional with a small needle takes blood from a vein in the arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. Some pressure can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
If you want to absorb urine 24 hours a day, you will get a special urine shelter and instructions on how to absorb and store your sample. Your doctor will tell you what time you must start. The analysis usually consists of the correct procedure.
- To begin with, pee in the toilet as usual (urine). Do not collect this urine. Note the time you peeed.
- Collect your urine in a container for the appropriate 24 hours.
- Keep the urine container in the freezer for the collection period or in a freezer with ice.
- Remember to urinate 24 hours after the start of the test, if possible. This is the last collection of urine for testing.
- Hand in the urine container as directed to your care provider’s office or laboratory.
To analyze the cerebral fluid (liquid cerebrospinalis (CSF)), the physician will perform a S o-Called Epidural (also called a lumbar puncture). The epidural is usually placed in the clinic. The doctor numbs your skin with a medical product and, using a delicate and perfect needle, maneuvers water between the bones of the lower spine. Typically, you will go home the same day.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
There are no special substances for blood and urine tests.
For the CSF (spinal tap) test, you can ask to empty your urine (PEE) and bowels (POO) for the test.
Were there any risks associated with the test?
There are relatively few risks associated with blood testing. After the test, you may experience slight pain or bruising in the area where the needle was inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
There is no general risk with urine testing.
There is considerable spinal risk when analyzing CSF. One can feel a knee or pressure when the needle is inserted. After the exam you may feel pain or sensitivity in your back or bleeding where the needle is inserted. You will still get headaches. Headaches can last from a few hours to a week or more. Your doctor may be able to offer you healing to help alleviate the pain.
What do the results mean?
If B2M values are measured to recognize cancer:
- The higher your B2M levels, the more cancer you have in your body. Higher levels are linked to cancers that tend to grow faster./li>
- If you have multiple myeloma, the highest B2M value is associated with kidney problems.
If B2M values are measured to find out how well your healing works, your supplier may be able to look at some of the test results over time to find direction:
- An increase in B2M means that healing is not working.
- A decrease in B2M means that healing is functioning.
- An unchanged B2M level means that your illness is moderate and is not getting worse or worse.
If you have questions about your test results, consult your Internet provider.
Is there anything I should know about Beta-2? microglobulin tumor marker test?
B2M levels can be higher than the commonly recognized size in many non-cancer states. The number of B2M in body fluids can be measured by these criteria if
Provided by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library. & lt; pran & gt; If B2M values are measured to know how well your healing is working, your doctor will have the opportunity to see more test results over time to find direction.