DiagnosisSometimes multiple myeloma is diagnosed when your doctor detects it accidentally during a blood test for some other condition. It can also be diagnosed if your doctor suspects you could have multiple myeloma based on your signs and symptoms. Show
Tests and procedures used to diagnose multiple myeloma include:
Assigning a stage and a risk categoryIf tests indicate you have multiple myeloma, your doctor will use the information gathered from the diagnostic tests to classify your disease as stage I, stage II or stage III. 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, which indicates the aggressiveness of your disease. Your multiple myeloma stage and risk category help your doctor understand your prognosis and your treatment options. Treatment Keeping multiple myeloma under control.Click here for an infographic to learn moreIf you're experiencing symptoms, treatment can help relieve pain, control complications of the disease, stabilize your condition and slow the progress of multiple myeloma. Immediate treatment may not be necessaryIf you have multiple myeloma but aren't experiencing any symptoms (also known as smoldering multiple myeloma), you might not need treatment right away. Immediate treatment may not be necessary for multiple myeloma that is slow growing and at an early stage. However, your doctor will regularly monitor your condition for signs that the disease is progressing. This may involve periodic blood and urine tests. If you develop signs and symptoms or your multiple myeloma shows signs of progression, you and your doctor may decide to begin treatment. Treatments for myelomaStandard treatment options include:
How treatments are usedWhich combination of treatments you're likely to receive will depend on whether you're considered a good candidate for bone marrow transplant. This depends on the risk of your disease progressing, your age and your overall health.
Treating complicationsBecause multiple myeloma can cause a number of complications, you may also need treatment for those specific conditions. For example:
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privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Alternative medicineNo 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:
Talk with your doctor before trying any of these techniques to make sure they don't pose any risks for you. Coping and supportA 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:
Preparing for your appointmentIf 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 ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready and know what to expect from your doctor. What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor at your initial appointment include:
Questions to consider if your doctor refers you to a specialist include:
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Thinking about your answers ahead of time can help you make the most of your appointment. A doctor who sees you for possible multiple myeloma may ask:
What are the complications of multiple myeloma?Complications of multiple myeloma include:. Frequent infections. Myeloma cells inhibit your body's ability to fight infections.. Bone problems. Multiple myeloma can also affect your bones, leading to bone pain, thinning bones and broken bones.. Reduced kidney function. ... . Low red blood cell count (anemia).. What is the major complication that a patient must be concerned if diagnosed with multiple myeloma?In people with multiple myeloma, the growing number of cancerous cells can interfere with the production of all types of blood cells. Decreased production of red blood cells can result in a complication called anemia. Certain multiple myeloma treatments can contribute to anemia as well.
Which of the following is the most common presenting symptom for patients with multiple myeloma?Bone pain is the most common presenting symptom in MM. Most case series report that 70% of patients have bone pain at presentation. The lumbar spine is one of the most common sites of pain.
What happens after multiple myeloma diagnosis?Patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma are often in pain and tired as a result of anemia, bone lesions, or other complications of the disease. Treatment doesn't just fight the cancer, but it will often make you feel better, too.
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Which complication would the nurse expect to find in a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma?
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