Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Test

Cancer markers are usually products produced by cancer cells or normal cells in the body that cause cancer. B2M is found in many cells in your body. Normally, only small amounts of B2M are found in your blood and urine. High B2M levels in the body are usually caused by the following blood and bone cancers:
Multiple myeloma,
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),
Certain types of lymphoma,
Beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test Not diagnosed with cancer or anything else. diseases or other conditions. This is because there are many conditions that can cause high B2M.
However, if you have been diagnosed with any of the blood and bone marrow cancers, the B2M test can provide important information about your cancer, including:

✅How much cancer you have in your body and how fast it is growing,
you. cancer can shape future behavior,
How your treatment can help,
This information can help you and your doctor plan your treatment.

Other names: total beta-2 microglobulin, beta2-microglobulin, B2M, B2MG, thymotoxin

what is it used for Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Test?
The Beta-2 microglobulin tumor test is usually used if you have been diagnosed with a certain type of bone or blood cancer. Testing your B2M levels can help:

find out how much cancer you have in your body
estimate the probability of your cancer growing
choose your treatment and check if it works
check if the cancer has spread to your brain and/or spinal cord (This is only done if you have symptoms. )
Why should I test the beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker?
If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, acute lymphocytic leukemia, or certain types of leukemia, you will need a B2M test to determine how far your disease has progressed. A B2M test can help you monitor your cancer and see if your treatment is working.

If you have multiple myeloma, you will need a B2M test to see if your cancer has spread. Urine samples can also be used to check if your disease is affecting your kidneys.

What happens during Beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker testing?
The beta-2 microglobulin test usually uses a sample of your blood. In some cases, you may need to collect a 24-hour urine sample, which means collecting all of your urine in one day. If your doctor suspects that cancer has spread to your brain or spinal cord, you may need a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test.

For a blood test, the doctor uses a small needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. After the injection, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial.
You may feel a slight sting as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

For 24-hour urine, you will receive a special container for collecting your urine and instructions on collecting and storing the sample. Your doctor will tell you when to start. This Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Test usually includes this steps:

First urinate (finish) into the toilet as usual.
Do not collect this urine. Make a chart while urinating.
Write all output for the next 24 hours in the box.
Store urine containers in the refrigerator or freezer at the time of collection.
Try to urinate, if possible, within 24 hours of starting the test.
This is the final output for testing.
Return the container containing urine to your clinic or laboratory as directed.
To analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the doctor will perform a procedure called a spinal tap (also called a lumbar tap). A spinal tap is usually done in a hospital. The doctor numbs your skin and uses a fine needle to draw some fluid from the bones in your spine.
Most of the time you will go home the same day.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the exam?
There is no specific regulation for blood and urine tests.

For the CSF (spinal tap) test, you may need to empty your bladder (pee) and stool (stool) before the test.
Is a risk  Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Testtest?
With a blood test, the risk is small. After the procedure, you may feel some pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most of the symptoms will go away quickly.

Urine test is not known to carry risks. From the

CSF analysis, the risk of spinal cord injury is very low. You may feel a slight pressure or pressure during the injection.
After the test, you may experience pain or tenderness in your back or some bleeding where the needle went in. Also, your head will hurt. The headache may last an hour or a week or more. Your doctor will recommend treatment to reduce pain.

What does the Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Test result mean?
If your B2M level is measured to understand your cancer:

The higher your B2M level, the more cancer you have in your body. Higher levels are associated with faster growing cancers. /li>
If you have multiple myeloma, higher B2M levels are linked to kidney problems.
If your B2M level is measured to check how well your treatment is working, your doctor will monitor various tests over time to see changes:

High B2M levels may mean your treatment is not working. Lowering your
B2M levels may mean your treatment is working.
A stable B2M level can mean your disease is stable, not improving, or worsening.
If you have any questions about your test, please talk to your doctor. To learn more about the tests, how to use them, and how to understand the results

.

Is there anything else I should know about the Beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test?
B2M levels can be higher than normal in many conditions other than cancer.
The amount of B2M in body fluids can be measured in the following conditions:

Kidney disease
HIV/AIDS
Multiple sclerosis