How serious is Stage 1 multiple myeloma?

Stage 1 (or stage I) multiple myeloma is the least advanced stage. People with stage 1 myeloma have few myeloma cells in the body. The cancer cells have not yet spread very far or caused as much damage as in other stages.

What is the life expectancy of Stage 1 multiple myeloma?

The median length of survival after diagnosis with multiple myeloma is 62 months for Stage I, 44 months for Stage II, and 29 months for Stage III. Life expectancy depends on many factors, including the person's age, health, kidney function, and more.

Can Stage 1 myeloma be cured?

Treatment for multiple myeloma can often help control symptoms and improve quality of life. But myeloma usually can't be cured, which means additional treatment is needed when the cancer comes back.

What are the symptoms of Stage 1 multiple myeloma?

What is the first stage of myeloma?

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. You have the abnormal antibodies that myeloma cells make in your blood or urine.

Case Study 1: A Diagnosis of Stage II Multiple Myeloma

Can you lead a normal life with myeloma?

Apart from ongoing monitoring, most myeloma patients are able to live fairly normal lives, with few restrictions on low-impact exercise and other activity.

Where does myeloma spread to first?

At first, the cells reproduce in the bone marrow of the spine. From there, they enter the bloodstream and travel to bone marrow in other parts of the body. They collect in the bone marrow and the hard, outer part of the bones. As this progression happens, the plasma cells can cause multiple tumors.

What is the treatment for Stage 1 multiple myeloma?

Patients with active myeloma or light chain amyloidosis are often given a combination of 2 or 3 drugs. The drugs chosen depend on the patient's health (including their kidney function) and whether a stem cell transplant is planned. Often, a combination containing bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is used.

What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 multiple 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.

What triggers myeloma?

What Are Its Causes? Exposure to toxic chemicals, atomic radiation, anything that interferes with the immune system, or infection with cancer-causing viruses, may potentially be linked to the developing myeloma.

Can you live 25 years with myeloma?

While multiple myeloma doesn't yet have a cure and can be fatal, patients' life expectancies vary widely, according to Jens Hillengass, MD, Chief of Myeloma at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I have seen patients live from several weeks to more than 20 years after being diagnosed,” Dr. Hillengass says.

Is myeloma always terminal?

Treatment for myeloma can be very effective at controlling the disease, relieving its symptoms and complications, and prolonging life. Unfortunately, though, myeloma is currently an incurable (terminal) cancer. Myeloma is a relapsing-remitting cancer.

Does myeloma ever go away?

Myeloma isn't curable yet, but it's very treatable. The key is deciding when to treat it to manage the symptoms. Our goal is to improve the patient's quantity of life without compromising quality of life. Anemia can cause fatigue.

When does myeloma become terminal?

In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage. This means it's the most advanced stage of this type of rare cancer. Doctors use the international staging system to determine the stage of the cancer. This system is based on the levels of serum beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin.

What is the difference between myeloma and multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma cells are abnormal plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) that build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in many bones of the body. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies that protect us from infection.

How do you reverse multiple myeloma?

Traditional treatment for multiple myeloma can include chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, radiation, surgery, and stem cell transplants. Complementary treatments that can be used alongside regular treatment include special diets, vitamins, herbs, acupuncture, or massage.

What is the most common complication of multiple myeloma?

How long is chemo for myeloma?

Myeloma is not usually curable but treatment can control it. You usually have treatment for four to six months. Then if you are fit enough, your specialist might suggest intensive treatment using high dose chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant.

How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?

As myeloma worsens, it may lead to more severe signs and symptoms. People may experience worsening bone pain and tiredness. Some people develop serious infections, nerve damage, and kidney problems.

What foods help multiple myeloma?

Is multiple myeloma curable 2022?

Myeloma is currently not curable, and despite advances in treatment, all patients see their cancers relapse after initial treatment and other early lines of therapy.

Can you work with myeloma?

Working while undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma is a personal decision with several factors to consider. Some people continue to work full time or switch to a part-time schedule. Others retire early or apply for disability benefits.

What is the number one cause of multiple myeloma?

Scientists still do not know exactly what causes most cases of multiple myeloma. However, they have made progress in understanding how certain changes in DNA can make plasma cells become cancerous. DNA is the chemical that carries the instructions for nearly everything our cells do.

What bones does multiple myeloma affect first?

Multiple myeloma can weaken the bones and make them more likely to break (fracture). The spine and long bones (arms and legs) are most often affected.

What organ is most affected by multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones. It produces the body's blood cells. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells (a type of blood cell) inside the bone marrow.