High blood protein levels can be a warning symptom of serious illness. It may signal chronic inflammation or infection, or it be a sign of bone marrow disease, including the cancer called multiple myeloma. If you have multiple myeloma, consult your doctor about your blood work and any symptoms of high protein that require medical attention.
High Blood Protein
Your blood normally contains small amounts of a variety of proteins, but too much protein in the blood can signal that an abnormality is present. A test called a total protein test may be ordered, to see if you have a condition that is causing abnormal blood protein levels. Symptoms of high blood protein can include nausea or lack of appetite, unintended weight loss, severe fatigue or fever.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that can cause high blood protein. It is characterized by plasma cells in the bone marrow; plasma cells produce antibodies and help your body fight infection, explains PubMed Health. When these plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow and form tumors, multiple myeloma is diagnosed. A high protein level may signal that multiple myeloma is present; if cancer is suspected, a complete blood count, blood and urine protein tests and other blood tests can help diagnose the disease as well. This cancer causes anemia, bleeding problems, fever, broken bones and shortness of breath. Multiple myeloma is not curable, but treatment aims to decrease symptoms, prolong life and reduce complications.
Treatment
When multiple myeloma is controlled, protein levels in the blood should stabilize. Treatment for this cancer includes chemotherapy, corticosteroid therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, plasmapheresis, or watchful waiting. Talk with your treatment team about the specifics of your condition and the best treatment options for you at this time, and what options are appropriate for you. Your treatment plan can change over the course of time, and may be different from other patients with the same condition.
Considerations
If you have symptoms of high blood protein, do not try to diagnose yourself; see your doctor for a diagnostic workup so you can get appropriate treatment. Individuals with multiple myeloma should talk with a doctor about symptoms to watch out for, including elevated blood protein levels, and what types of treatment are appropriate to keep cancer symptoms under control and stabilize proteins in the blood.
