Quick facts about myeloma
Myeloma develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found within the bone marrow
Although myeloma is found in the bone marrow, it is classified as a type of blood cancer
Myeloma is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 60.
Types of myeloma
The most common types of myeloma include:
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Solitary plasmacytoma
This is an early-stage myeloma which develops from plasma cells in a single area, such as in a bone.
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Smouldering (asymptomatic) myeloma
This type of myeloma is considered early-stage and typically does not cause symptoms. However, most smouldering myeloma cases will go on to become active myeloma.
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Active (symptomatic) myeloma
Myeloma is classified as active when it begins causing symptoms. Characteristics of active myeloma include having m-protein in your blood or urine, plasma cells that make up at least 10% of the blood cells found in your bone marrow and myeloma tumours in your bone or soft tissue.
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Extramedullary plasmacytoma
Extramedullary plasmacytomas develop in soft tissue outside the bone marrow. These tumours are commonly found in the upper respiratory tract, however they may also occur in the gastrointestinal tract, breast or brain.
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Light chain myeloma
Light chain myelomas make up 15 to 20 percent of myeloma cases and are commonly found in the kidneys. This type of myeloma is smaller and is commonly detected through urine tests.
Signs and symptoms of myeloma
As signs and symptoms for myeloma can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a myeloma diagnosis.
Myeloma can be difficult to detect as certain types of myeloma may not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms can include:
Fatigue and tiredness as a result of low iron (anaemia)
Fever
Chronic infection
Increased frequency of fractures or broken bones
Pain in the bones, often felt in the back and rib area
Bruising and bleeding that occurs easily
Stages of myeloma
The Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) is used to stage myeloma, and it helps doctors understand what your cancer looks like. This staging system uses various blood tests to measure the following features:
Chromosomal changes – Cytogenic testing can check for chromosomal changes that may affect abnormal genes, such as missing pieces of chromosome 17, translocation (exchange of pieces of material) between chromosomes 4 and 14, as well as translocation between chromosomes 14 and 16
Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) – High levels of LDH, an enzyme involved in cell metabolism, in the blood can be a sign that your myeloma is more advanced
Albumin – Lower levels of albumin, a protein found in the blood, may be seen in myeloma
Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) – Higher levels of the protein beta-2-microglobulin, which is made by myeloma cells, are associated with poorer prognosis for myeloma patients
The R-ISS information, along with other tests, helps determine the stage of your myeloma using the guidelines below:
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Stage I
Serum B2M is less than 3.5 mg/L, albumin is at least 3.5 g/L, LDH are normal and cytogenetics are not considered high risk.
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Stage II
Levels will fall between stages I and III, but no other guidelines are set.
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Stage III
Serum B2M is at least 5.5 mg/L. Additionally, either LDH levels will be high or cytogenetics will be high risk.
Treatment for myeloma cancer
There are many different types of treatment for myeloma. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.
Frequently asked questions about myeloma
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