When you're first diagnosed with multiple myeloma, your doctor will assign it a number, called a stage, that describes how serious it is at that point. That number has a lot to do with the type of treatment your doctor will recommend and what you can expect from your disease going forward.
Full Answer
What is the life expectancy of someone with multiple myeloma?
Stage 3 multiple myeloma: Symptoms, progression, and life expectancy
- Life expectancy. The approximate life expectancy is how long a person is expected to live after their first treatment.
- Progression. As multiple myeloma progresses, a person is likely to experience more symptoms of the disease. ...
- Treatment and coping. A variety of medications may be prescribed for treating stage 3 multiple myeloma. ...
- Outlook. ...
What is the survival rate of multiple myeloma?
The overall 5-year survival rate for people with multiple myeloma is 54%. For the 5% of people who are diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 75%. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 53%. Approximately 95% of cases are diagnosed at this stage.
Who is most at risk for multiple myeloma?
You're at a higher risk for multiple myeloma if you're over age 45. Most people who get this cancer are over age 65. The reason isn't clear, but the chance of getting most types of cancer gets higher as you age. It may be because of changes in your genes during your life. Race.
What you should know about multiple myeloma?
What People Need to Know About Multiple Myeloma
- The First Indications of Multiple Myeloma. People usually are not aware of multiple myeloma. ...
- Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma. If you begin showing any of the symptoms described above, you should ask your doctor to screen for multiple myeloma.
- Multiple Myeloma Treatments. Unfortunately, multiple myeloma is not curable. ...
What are good numbers for multiple myeloma?
Normal range: 0.57-2.63 mg/dL Multiple myeloma or another plasma cell disorder may be indicated by increased lambda free light chains and a decreased kappa/ lambda ratio.
What is considered a high level of M-protein?
People who have high-risk MGUS have any of the following features: The M-protein level is more than 15 g/L. The type of M-protein is IgA or IgM.
What markers indicate multiple myeloma?
Blood and urine tests play a key role in diagnosing myeloma.M protein. Myeloma cells often secrete the antibody monoclonal immunoglobulin, known as M protein. ... Immunoglobulin. ... Light chains. ... Serum albumin and serum beta-2 microglobulin (β2-M). ... Lactase dehydrogenase (LDH).
How do you read multiple myeloma labs?
High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis. The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.
How high is IgG in multiple myeloma?
In people with multiple myeloma, 70% have high levels of IgG protein, 20% have high levels of IgA and 5–10% produce only immunoglobulin light chains (Bence-Jones proteins).
What is a high M spike number?
Patients with a higher M spike (greater than 1.5 g/dL) or abnormal SFLC ratio are at a higher risk of disease progression. In addition, patients with IgM or IgA MGUS have a higher rate of developing myeloma than patients with IgG MGUS.
What levels are elevated in multiple myeloma?
People with smoldering myeloma have some signs of multiple myeloma, such as any of the following: Plasma cells in the bone marrow between 10% and 60% High level of monoclonal immunoglobulin (M protein) in the blood. High level of light chains in the urine (also called Bence Jones protein)
How high is IgA in multiple myeloma?
Serum M-protein levels were higher in patients with IgG (median, 33 g/l; range, 0–97 g/l) than in those with IgA (median, 21 g/l; range, 0–87 g/l), while lowest levels were recorded in patients with IgD MM (median, 3 g/l; range, 0·01–45 g/l).
What does IgG mean in multiple myeloma?
The most common type of myeloma is IgG kappa. In IgG kappa myeloma, the myeloma cells produce an immunoglobulin made from two IgG heavy chains bound to two kappa light chains. About 15% of patients have light chain myeloma. In this type of myeloma, the myeloma cells secrete only light chain protein and no heavy chains.
What does it mean if your IgG is high?
High levels of IgG can mean you have an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder causes your immune system to attack healthy cells, tissues, and/or organs by mistake. These disorders can cause serious health problems.
What is a normal lambda level?
The normal range for free lambda chains in serum was found to be 0.4-4.2 mg/l and for free kappa chains it was 1.6-15.2 mg/l.
What tests are used to detect multiple myeloma?
Specialized tests, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can analyze myeloma cells to identify gene mutations. Imaging tests. Imaging tests may be recommended to detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma. Tests may include an X-ray, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET).
What kind of doctor treats multiple myeloma?
If you're diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating blood and bone marrow disorders (hematologist) or a doctor who specializes in treating cancer (oncologist).
How many bone marrow transplants are needed for multiple myeloma?
In some situations, doctors recommend two bone marrow transplants for people with multiple myeloma. After your bone marrow transplant, you'll likely receive targeted therapy or immunotherapy as a maintenance treatment to prevent a recurrence of myeloma.
What does multiple myeloma risk mean?
Your multiple myeloma may also be assigned a risk category, which indicates the aggressiveness of your disease.
What stage of myeloma is the most aggressive?
Stage I indicates a less aggressive disease, and stage III indicates the most aggressive disease. Your multiple myeloma may also be assigned a risk category, ...
What is the protein produced by myeloma cells?
Another abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells — called beta-2-microglobulin — may be detected in your blood and give your doctor clues about the aggressiveness of your myeloma.
What is the best treatment for myeloma?
Corticosteroids. Corticosteroid medications regulate the immune system to control inflammation in the body. They are also active against myeloma cells. Bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, is a procedure to replace your diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.
What test do you need for multiple myeloma?
If signs are pointing to multiple myeloma, more tests will be done. Here are some of the tests you may need: Blood cell counts: This blood test is often the first test done. Most people with multiple myeloma have a low red blood cell count.
What is the best way to see if you have myeloma?
A series of x-rays might be done that includes most of the bones. This is called a bone survey or skeletal survey. CT scan: This is also called a CAT scan. It’s a special kind of x-ray that takes detailed pictures of the body. CT scans can help show if your bones have been damaged by myeloma.
How serious is my multiple myeloma?
If you have multiple myeloma, the doctor will want to find out how advanced it is. This is called staging.
What blood test is used to determine if you have multiple myeloma?
Most people with multiple myeloma have a low red blood cell count. Blood and urine tests for immunoglobulins: Samples of your blood and urine might be tested for immunoglobulins (another name for antibodies). Levels of one of these proteins are typically higher than normal in people with multiple myeloma.
What is the treatment for myeloma?
Radiation uses high-energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells. This treatment may be used to treat areas of myeloma that have not responded to other treatments and are causing pain or other problems.
Can multiple myeloma be treated right away?
The treatment plan that is best for you depends on the stage of your multiple myeloma, your age and overall health, and other factors. If the myeloma is found early and is not causing symptoms, you might not need to be treated right away. You might just be watched closely instead. If you do need treatment, it could include:
Can multiple myeloma be found early?
Multiple myeloma is hard to find early. Sometimes people with multiple myeloma don’t have any symptoms until it is worse. When symptoms do happen, they can include bone pain, being sick to your stomach, not feeling like eating, feeling very tired, , losing a lot of weight , and getting sick a lot. The doctor will ask you questions about your health and do a physical exam.
What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?
Chemotherapy. A standard cancer treatment, chemotherapy seeks out and destroys the cancer cells in your body. Chemotherapeutic agents that specifically treat multiple myeloma include doxorubicin hydrochloride (Doxil, Adriamycin) and alkylating agents.
What kind of doctor treats multiple myeloma?
Once you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you’ll likely receive care from a team of doctors, including an oncologist. An oncologist is a type of doctor who specializes in treating cancer. They can help navigate you through the information, numbers, possibilities, and realities.
What is targeted therapy for multiple myeloma?
These medicines are a part of a treatment called targeted therapy. They hone in on specific abnormalities in the multiple myeloma cancer cells that allow the cancer to survive and prevent them from growing and thriving. This causes the myeloma cells to eventually die.
What is the terminal stage of multiple myeloma?
advanced bone damage. moderate to severe anemia. When you’re diagnosed with multiple myeloma, your doctor will want to determine how advanced the cancer is. Multiple myeloma is classified by stage 1, 2, or 3. In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage.
How long does it take to recover from stage 3 multiple myeloma?
What is the outlook for stage 3 multiple myeloma? The average survival rate for stage 3 multiple myeloma is 29 months. However, significant medical advances are helping to increase survival rates. Researchers are attempting to find new treatment methods that can prolong the survival rate.
Is there a cure for multiple myeloma?
A cure for multiple myeloma currently doesn’t exist. However, significant research is making progressive leaps toward a treatment that eliminates the cancer entirely. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several new types of treatments in recent years. Today’s treatments are getting closer to a cure.
Does multiple myeloma need immediate treatment?
Early stages of the cancer may not need immediate treatment. Treatment for stage 3 multiple myeloma aims to reduce the discomfort caused by the cancer. Treatment can also help stabilize the cancer and slow the progress of its growth.
How to test for myeloma?
A urine test may show protein in the urine. It is important to do both a blood test and a urine test for proteins when testing for myeloma. Occasionally, a chest X-ray will identify significant osteoporosis in the vertebral (spine) bones, or even compression of a vertebral body. Such findings should prompt further testing to detect the underlying cause.
What is a 24-hour urine test for myeloma?
A 24-hour urine test for Bence-Jones or light-chain proteins in the urine: This test measures the actual amount of myeloma protein being filtered out and put into urine by the kidneys.
What is the purpose of measuring immunoglobulin levels?
Immunoglobulin levels: Measuring levels of the immunoglobulins is one way of tracking the extent and progression of the disease. If the myeloma actively secretes one form of immunoglobulin, then the levels of the other normal immunoglobulins will be suppressed.
What does a high level of total protein in the blood mean?
A high level of total protein in the blood may be a clue to the presence of myeloma; an abnormal high or rarely a low level of globulins is even more suggestive. Calcium: A high level of calcium suggests active reabsorption of bone and thus active myeloma. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): A high level of this enzyme may indicate active myeloma.
What is the best test for detecting and measuring the abnormal monoclonal protein level associated with myelo?
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): This test measures the levels of various proteins in the blood. It is the best test for detecting and measuring the abnormal monoclonal protein level associated with myeloma. Urine protein electrophoresis (UEP): This test measures the levels of various proteins in the urine.
What is a blood cancer specialist?
At some point in this testing process, the health care professional refers the person to a blood cancer specialist (hematologist- oncologist ). Once the evaluation is completed and the presumptive diagnosis confirmed, the findings are usually presented to the patient in person and also to the patient's referring health care professional in writing.
Can light chain only proteins be detected in blood?
In light-chain-only disease, the abnormal proteins are usually detectable only in urine, not in blood. Immunofixation (or immunoelectrophoresis, IEP): This test can reveal the specific type of abnormal protein produced by the myeloma. A 24-hour urine test for Bence-Jones or light-chain proteins in the urine: This test measures the actual amount ...
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician (PCP) might be a family practice doctor, a general practitioner, an internal medicine physician, or a gynecologist. You probably saw your PCP when you first had symptoms of multiple myeloma. They likely sent you to see a hematologist or medical oncologist for a diagnosis.
Hematologist or Medical Oncologist
Hematologists and medical oncologists are experts in diagnosing and treating multiple myeloma, so you may see either one. Hematologists specialize in treating blood diseases, and medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer.
Dentist
Before you start any multiple myeloma treatment, it’s a good idea to see your dentist to make sure your mouth is in good shape. Why? Let’s say you’ve started treatment, and you end up having a tooth taken out. This can delay your treatment.
Radiation Oncologist
If you need radiation therapy, this physician is the one who prescribes and supervises it. They’ll explain the risks and benefits, answer your questions, and see you regularly while you’re getting radiation treatment.
Nurse and Nurse Practitioner
You’ll interact with a variety of nurses everywhere you go. For example, you may have an oncology nurse who works with your oncologists and is trained to give you treatments.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Sometimes, multiple myeloma affects your bones, causing them to become weak. This raises your risk of broken or fractured bones and bone pain. An orthopedic surgeon can help with these issues. This may involve surgery.
Mental Health Care Provider
Whether it’s a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed counselor, a mental health care provider can be crucial when it comes to your emotional well-being. They can help you process your diagnosis, sort through your feelings about your health, and handle issues as they come up.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- If you're experiencing symptoms, treatment can help relieve pain, control complications of the disease, stabilize your condition and slow the progress of multiple myeloma.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Alternative Medicine
- No alternative medicines have been found to treat multiple myeloma. But alternative medicine may help you cope with the stress and side effects of myeloma and myeloma treatment. Talk to your doctor about your options, such as: 1. Art therapy 2. Exercise 3. Meditation 4. Music therapy 5. Relaxation exercises 6. Spirituality Talk with your doctor bef...
Coping and Support
- A cancer diagnosis can be shocking and devastating. With time, you'll find ways to cope with the stress and uncertainty of living with cancer. Until you find what works best for you, consider trying to: 1. Learn enough to make decisions about your care. Learn enough about multiple myeloma so that you're able to participate in decisions about your treatment and care. Ask your doctor about …
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. If you're diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating blood and bone marrow disorders (hematologist) or a doctor who specializes in treating cancer (oncologist). Because appointments can be brief and because there's often a lot of groun…