What does it mean if I have Bence Jones protein in my urine?

The Bence-Jones protein urine test is used most often to diagnose and check on multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Or an abnormal Bence-Jones test result may mean you have a type of malignant lymphoma. These are cancers of the lymphatic system. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells.

What is another name for Bence Jones protein?

Healthy urine does not contain Bence Jones protein, so its presence is an indication of a health problem. Other names for this test include urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), urine immunofixation electrophoresis, or immunoassay for free light chains.

Is Bence Jones protein same as M protein?

When your body has too many of these proteins, they easily pass from your bloodstream into your urine. A person who has a type of cancer affecting the plasma cells, like multiple myeloma, often has Bence Jones proteins in their urine. Bence Jones proteins are also referred to as M-proteins or light chains.

How do you confirm the presence of Bence Jones proteins?

Bence-Jones proteins are not detectable via urine protein dipsticks. Detection of Bence-Jones proteinuria requires sophisticated tests such as urine protein electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, and immunofixation electrophoresis. The screening test most commonly used is urine protein electrophoresis.

Is Bence Jones protein A Paraprotein?

A paraprotein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin light chain (Bence Jones protein) present in the blood or urine and arising from clonal proliferation of mature B‐cells, most commonly plasma cells or B‐lymphocytes. Alternative terms include monoclonal protein or M‐band.

Can you have multiple myeloma without M protein?

Some people with multiple myeloma don’t make enough M proteins or light chains for tests to show they have it. This is called non-secretory myeloma. A bone marrow biopsy can help diagnose this type of myeloma.

How long does a Bence Jones protein test take?

It can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to get your results, depending on the lab and your doctor. Bence Jones proteins are not normally found in urine, so a positive test indicates that you probably have multiple myeloma.

What are abnormal results in a Bence Jones protein test?

The Bence-Jones protein urine test is used most often to diagnose and check on multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Or an abnormal Bence-Jones test result may mean you have a type of malignant lymphoma. These are cancers of the lymphatic system. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells.

What does a positive Bence Jones test mean?

Bence Jones proteins are not normally found in urine, so a positive test indicates that you probably have multiple myeloma. Other kinds of cancer may also be associated with a positive result. An abnormal test may indicate other types of cancer including lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and macroglobulinemia.