Doctors need to classify the different stages of multiple myeloma to plan the therapy process. This can be done through various tests conducted by doctors to better comprehend the health problems that the patient is facing.

Urine analysis
In multiple myeloma, the unhealthy plasma cells produce excess proteins and flow to different parts of the body. The kidney filters the unwanted particles in the body, including these proteins. Doctors suggest routine urine tests to find the level of immunoglobulin that the body excretes. This helps them make the final prognosis. This entire process is urine immunofixation and occurs over a 24-hour timeline.

Blood analysis
The lab technicians study the different stages of multiple myeloma in various ways. One of them is checking the blood work. The factors they notice in this method are the levels of calcium and blood cells in the body. Multiple myelomas are diagnosed by calculating the number of various cells in the blood, like creatinine and albumin. If the concentrations of these cells are high, it means that the person has multiple myeloma. Blood tests also show the presence of abnormal cells such as Beta-2 microglobulins. Also, blood tests show the level of LDH levels (the highest meaning that the stage of cancer is advanced).

Genetic analysis
Another procedure that helps to understand the different stages of multiple myeloma is through studying the genes of the victim. This is because the disease is caused due to an abnormality in the genes along with the myeloma cells (WBCs). A procedure called FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) is used for this, too.

X-Rays
Many imaging procedures, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, X-Rays, PET (positron emission tomography) scans, and CT(computed tomography) scans, are used to determine the different stages of multiple myeloma. The process is used for three main reasons: to see how far cancer has grown, to check the suspected areas of cancer, and to understand if the treatment prescribed is successful. The MRIs use radio waves to show detailed pictures of sensitive areas such as the brain and spinal cord. Problems in the bones, due to this syndrome, are detected via X-rays. PET scans show the amount of sugar accumulation in blood, while CT scans are used to see the damage to the bones.

Bone marrow analysis
A person is diagnosed with multiple myeloma when myeloma cells start multiplying and some of them do not possess healthy qualities. Since the cells in question originate in the bone marrow, doctors use this procedure to determine the extent of the cancer growth. They take out a specimen from the bone marrow and bone tissue to study them microscopically. This is done with the use of a long needle. The entire process is known as a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration.

Overall, a pathologist can determine the different stages of multiple myeloma with many procedures. However, the testing format is chosen keeping in mind the symptoms of the patient and the areas affected.