Is asymptomatic myeloma cancer?
Smouldering myeloma (also sometimes known as asymptomatic myeloma) is an early form of myeloma which usually progresses to active myeloma, but at a slow rate. In smouldering myeloma abnormal cells can be detected in the bone marrow, and abnormal protein can be detected in the blood and/or urine.
How do you know what stage of multiple myeloma?
To stage multiple myeloma, we examine blood cell counts, the amount of protein found in the blood and urine, the calcium level in the blood, and other diagnostic test results. Staging helps your care team consider treatment options and your prognosis, or chance of recovery.
What is first stage myeloma?
Stage 1 indicates early multiple myeloma that does not cause symptoms, stage 2 shows intermediate disease and may cause symptoms, and stage 3 is the most advanced stage of multiple myeloma, which means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
How long can you have multiple myeloma without knowing?
Some people have multiple myeloma for months or years before they even know they’re sick. This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma. When you have it, you won’t have any symptoms, but your test results will show: At least 10% to 59% of your bone marrow is made up of cancerous plasma cells.
What’s the difference between multiple myeloma and myeloma?
There is no difference. The terms are used interchangeably. Myeloma is derived from the Greek words “myel” (meaning marrow) and “oma” (meaning tumor). Because malignant plasma cells almost always occur in more than one location, it is often referred to as multiple myeloma.
How long can you have multiple myeloma without knowing it?
Where does multiple myeloma usually start?
Multiple myeloma is cancer that starts in plasma cells in your bone marrow. Plasma cells are part of your immune system. They normally make proteins called antibodies (immunoglobulins) that help fight infections. The bone marrow is the soft, inner part of some bones where all the different blood cells are made.