Laboratory tests and imaging studies in XXXX with @entity320 .

@entity1 @entity5 @entity320 @entity3
Laboratory tests and imaging studies are often ordered for asymptomatic @entity1 with @entity320 ( @entity320 ) in an effort to detect subclinical @entity3 . However, their sensitivity and specificity for detecting cryptic @entity3 are not well established. A review of the literature on laboratory tests and imaging studies for MM @entity3 was undertaken to address the usefulness of such investigations in asymptomatic @entity1 with MM in AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer system of classification) stages I, II, and III. A review of the pertinent literature since 1966 was conducted through MEDLINE, Medica, and Cancerlit. Laboratory tests and imaging studies revealed occult MM @entity3 in only a small number of the thousands of reported @entity1 with putative AJCC stage I, II, and III MM. However, for those diagnosed with limited @entity3 , surgical removal with or without immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy can lead to long-term remissions in some @entity1 . For @entity1 with asymptomatic AJCC stage I or II disease, chest roentgenograms (CXR) and blood lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels may be obtained at low cost and prove to be of benefit if @entity3 are identified. For @entity1 with @entity5 , computed tomographic (CT) scans of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis (especially when the primary cutaneous site of the @entity320 is below the waist) may be considered for detecting metastatic MM. Other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain, may be ordered based on symptoms or physical findings. In the future, technologically improved techniques and newer methods may prove cost-effective for detecting treatable asymptomatic MM @entity3 . Furthermore, improvement in treatments will also influence the indications for the search for occult MM @entity3 . At this time there is a need for an international consensus conference on laboratory tests and imaging studies for occult @entity320 @entity3 .
