Bence Jones Protein

In February this year I had my usual check up with Dermatologist regarding my Lichen Sclerosis. I had been feeling very tired, previous and ongoing joint pain plus Dermatologist examined new raised round patches of skin on my chest which was not Lichen Sclerosis. He thought I might have Lupus. He arranged blood tests followed by a biopsy of the rash on my chest. The blood test showed a “strong positive ANA titre 1/2560 homogeneous “. He said this was indicative of Lupus. However he then got biopsy results which he said was “inconclusive”. I was still feeling unwell and was generally sore all over. He ordered further blood tests and a urine test. He phoned me to say that Bence Jones Protein had been found in my urine and this usually points to Multiple Myeloma. He referred me as “urgent cancer referral” to Haematology. Haematology downgraded the referral to “routine” because there was no paraprotein in my blood results. I now have sore ribs which GP put down to me having Covid and coughing a lot (I had Covid end of March and did have a vicious cough). I started getting pain under my arm and shoulder in April and have now been diagnosed with frozen shoulder. The rib pain is still there- not in the chest area but in my side area right up to top of my armpit. Any advice would be appreciated. 

I have not seen Haematologist- apparently waiting time is 16 weeks for a routine appointment.

  • Should also have said test results said Bence Jones with free Kappa detected

  • Hi June6 and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry that you are having symptoms that are causing you concern.

    We cannot diagnose you or say what is causing your pain. If the haematology team at the hospital were concerned that you may have myeloma they would be taking tests more urgently which I hope is reassuring.

    If you are worried about the pain do go back to your GP, especially if you are concerned that this is being caused by cancer. As they know your situation they would be able to advise whether further tests are needed and can give you medication to manage the pain better.

    I hope this helps in some way. If you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline you are welcome to call. We are available between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm freephone 0808 800 4040.

    Jemma