What if they have caught the disease so early - there is not enough amyloids in the biopsy to tell me what type of Amyloidosis I have (this has been the problem thus far) - how do they prove it's AL Amyloidosis? My doctor wants to move forward with Chemo - but a lighter version w/o Velcade since we are so far ahead of it.
February 19 (edited)
Can doctors infer AL amyloidosis from very high kappa light chains if they can't type the amyloidosis yet?
High kappa light chains (like your level of 180) can strongly suggest AL amyloidosis, but they don't confirm it on their own. AL amyloidosis happens when abnormal light chains—either kappa or lambda—build up in organs Show Full Answer
Can doctors infer AL amyloidosis from very high kappa light chains if they can't type the amyloidosis yet?
High kappa light chains (like your level of 180) can strongly suggest AL amyloidosis, but they don't confirm it on their own. AL amyloidosis happens when abnormal light chains—either kappa or lambda—build up in organs and tissues.
A serum-free light chain assay looks for excess free light chains in your blood. When these light chains don't bind to their heavy chain partners, it may point to a problem with plasma cells in your bone marrow, which can indicate AL amyloidosis.
However, doctors need to look at the complete picture:
- Your symptoms
- Other blood test results
- A biopsy showing amyloid deposits
- Additional testing to identify which specific protein is causing the amyloid
After amyloid is found in a biopsy, a pathologist can test that same sample to determine exactly which abnormal proteins are causing the deposits. This helps confirm whether it's AL amyloidosis or another type.
Your healthcare team will likely combine your high kappa light chain results with other tests to reach a definitive diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.
February 19
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