Q: My 57 years old father has suffered from high fever and was hospitalised. He was diagnosed with an insignificant pneumonic patch, very low haemoglobin (5 g/dl) and kidney problem. Protein Serum Electrophoresis report showed a steep rise in gamma region, which may be an M band. He does not have any bone pain. What causes rise in globulin level? And how can it be treated?

A:Your father has multiple myeloma in which the bone marrow has abnormally high number of plasma cells. The globulin level rises and M spike is seen on electrophoresis. It causes severe anemia, tendency to infections and renal failure depending on the severity of illness. Bone pains may or may not be always noticed by the patient. Your father needs a bone marrow examination and then treatment in any of the hospitals which has a haemato-oncology unit.