Multiple Myeloma Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging

cancer.org | 1.800.227.
2345
Multiple Myeloma Early Detection,

Diagnosis, and Staging
Detection and Diagnosis
Catching cancer early often allows for more treatment options. Some early cancers
may have signs and symptoms that can be noticed, but that is not always the case.
● Can Multiple Myeloma Be Found Early?

● Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
● Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma
Stages and Outlook (Prognosis)
After a cancer diagnosis, staging provides important information about the extent of
cancer in the body and anticipated response to treatment.
● Multiple Myeloma Stages

● Survival Rates by Stage for Multiple Myeloma
Questions to Ask About Multiple Myeloma
Here are some questions you can ask your cancer care team to help you better
understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
● Questions to Ask About Multiple Myeloma
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Can Multiple Myeloma Be Found Early?

It’s difficult to diagnose multiple myeloma early. Often, multiple myeloma causes no
symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Sometimes, it might cause vague
symptoms that at first seem to be caused by other diseases. Sometimes, multiple
myeloma is found early when a routine blood test shows an abnormally high amount of
protein in the blood.
People with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) or solitary

plasmacytoma are at risk of developing multiple myeloma and have regular bloodwork
to monitor for it. Multiple myeloma may be diagnosed sooner in those people than those
who did not have MGUS or a solitary plasmacytoma.
Last Medical Review: February 28, 2018 Last Revised: February 28, 2018
Signs and Symptoms of Multiple

Myeloma
Some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all. Others can have
common symptoms of the disease including:
Bone problems
● Bone pain, which can be in any bone, but is most often in the back, the hips, and
skull
● Bone weakness, either all over (osteoporosis), or where there is a plasmacytoma
● Broken bones (fractures), sometimes from only a minor stress or injury
Low blood counts
Shortages of red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets are common in
multiple myeloma and might lead to other symptoms.
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● Anemia: A reduced number of red blood cells that can cause weakness, a reduced
ability to exercise, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
● Leukopenia: Too few white blood cells that can lower resistance to infections such
as pneumonia.
● Thrombocytopenia: When blood platelet counts are low which may cause serious
bleeding even with minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises. .
High blood levels of calcium
High levels of calcium in the blood (called hypercalcemia) can cause:
● Extreme thirst, leading to drinking a lot

● Urinating (peeing) a lot
● Dehydration
● Kidney problems and even kidney failure
● Severe constipation,
● Abdominal (belly) pain
● Loss of appetite
● Weakness
● Feeling drowsy
● Confusion
If the level of calcium gets high enough, you can even slip into a coma.
Nervous system symptoms
If myeloma weakens the bones in the spine, they can collapse and press on spinal
nerves. This is called spinal cord compression and can cause
● Sudden severe back pain

● Numbness, most often in the legs
● Muscle weakness, most often in the legs.
This is a medical emergency and you should contact your doctor right away or go to the
emergency room. If spinal cord compression is not treated right away, there is a
possibility of permanent paralysis.
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Nerve damage
Sometimes, the abnormal proteins produced by myeloma cells are toxic to nerves. This
damage can lead to weakness and numbnessand sometimes a “pins and needles”
sensation. This is also called peripheral neuropathy.
Hyperviscosity
In some patients, large amounts of myeloma protein can cause the blood to “thicken.”
This thickening is called hyperviscosity. It can slow blood flow to the brain and cause:
● Confusion
● Dizziness
● Symptoms of a stroke, like weakness on one side of the body and slurred speech
Patients with these symptoms should call their doctor. Removing the protein from the
blood using a procedure called plasmapheresis can rapidly reverse this problem. (Note:
This is not something that can be treated with drugs known as “blood thinners.”)
Kidney problems
Myeloma protein can damage the kidneys. Early on, this doesn’t cause any symptoms,
but signs of kidney damage may be seen on a blood test or a urine test. As the kidneys
start to fail, they lose the ability to get rid of excess salt, fluid, and body waste products.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
● Weakness
● Shortness of breath
● Itching
● Leg swelling.
Infections
Myeloma patients are much more likely to get infections. When someone with myeloma
gets an infection, they may be slow to respond to treatment. That person may stay sick
for a long time. Pneumonia is a common and serious infection seen in myeloma
patients.
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Signs and symptoms of light chain amyloidosis
Patients with amyloidosis (discussed in What Is Multiple Myeloma?1) can have some of
the same problems as patients with myeloma, such as kidney problems and nerve
damage. They can also have other problems, such as:
● Heart problems: The heart may enlarge and become weaker. In some people, the
heart becomes so weak that fluid builds up in the lungs, making them feel short of
breath. Fluid may also build up in the legs and feet (edema). This is called
congestive heart failure.
● Enlarged liver: The person may feel the liver below the right ribs. When this gets
large it can press on the stomach so the person feels full after eating only a small
amount of food.
● Enlarged tongue: When amyloid builds up in the tongue it can get larger. This can
lead to problems swallowing and problems breathing during sleep (sleep apnea).
● Skin changes: Changes in the color or texture, easy bruising, and bleeding into the
skin around the eyes (“raccoon eyes”)
● Kidney problems
● Carpal tunnel syndrome: Which causes numbness and weakness in the hands.
Hyperlinks
1. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/what-is-
multiple-myeloma.html
Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma

If symptoms suggest that a person might have multiple myeloma, more tests are done.
Lab tests
Blood counts
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The complete blood count1 (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white
cells, and platelets in the blood. If there are too many myeloma cells in the bone
marrow, some of these blood cell levels can be low. The most common finding is a low
red blood cell count (anemia2).
Blood chemistry tests
Levels of blood creatinine, albumin, calcium, and other electrolytes will be checked.
● Creatinine levels show how well your kidneys are working. High levels mean that
the kidneys are not functioning well. This is common in people with myeloma.
● Albumin is a protein found in the blood. Low levels can be seen in myeloma.
● Calcium levels may be high in people with advanced myeloma. High calcium levels
(hypercalcemia) can cause symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and confusion.
A blood test to measure lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels might also be done. It can
be a useful indicator of a patient’s prognosis (outlook). High levels mean the disease is
more advanced and may have a worse prognosis.
Urine tests
A routine urine sample is typically taken to look for myeloma protein that has filtered
through the kidney. You most likely also will be asked to give a sample of urine that has
been collected over a 24-hour period, so it can measure how much myeloma protein is
present. These tests are called urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) and urine
immunofixation.
Quantitative immunoglobulins
This test measures the blood levels of the different antibodies (also called
immunoglobulins). There are several different types of antibodies in the blood: IgA, IgD,
IgE, IgG, and IgM. The levels of these immunoglobulins are measured to see if any are
abnormally high or low. In multiple myeloma, the level of one type may be high while the
others are low.
Electrophoresis
The antibody produced by myeloma cells is abnormal because it is monoclonal (all the
exact same ). Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a test that measures the
antibodies in the blood and can find a monoclonal antibody. Another test, called
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immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis, is used to determine the exact type of

abnormal antibody (IgG. IgA or some other type). Finding a monoclonal antibody in the
blood may be the first step in diagnosing multiple myeloma. This abnormal protein is
known by several different names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin,
monoclonal protein (M protein), M spike, or paraprotein.
Antibodies are made up of chains of protein : 2 long (heavy) chains and 2 shorter (light)
chains. Sometimes pieces of the abnormal myeloma protein are filtered through the
kidney into the urine. This urine protein, known as Bence Jones protein, is the part of
the antibody called the light chain. The tests used for finding a monoclonal antibody in
urine are called urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) and urine immunofixation. These
are done most often on urine that has been collected over a 24-hour period, not just on
a routine urine sample.
Serum free light chains
This blood test can measure the light chain levels in the blood and is done when looking
for myeloma or light chain amyloidosis.
This is most helpful in the rare cases of myeloma in which no M protein is found by
SPEP. Since the SPEP measures the levels of intact (whole) antibodies, it cannot
measure the amount of light chains only.
This test also calculates thelight chain ratio which is used to see if there is one type of
light chain more than the other. There are 2 kinds of light chains: kappa and lambda.
Normally, they are present in equal amounts in the blood, giving a ratio of 1 to 1. If there
is more of one type of light chain than the other, the ratio will be different, which can be
a sign of myeloma.
Beta-2 microglobulin
This is another protein made by the myeloma cells. Although this protein itself doesn’t
cause problems, it can be a useful indicator of a patient’s prognosis (outlook). High
levels mean the disease is more advanced and may have a worse prognosis.
Types of Biopsies
Bone marrow biopsy
People with multiple myeloma have too many plasma cells in their bone marrow. The
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procedure used to check the bone marrow is called a bone marrow biopsy and
aspiration. It can be done either at the doctor’s office or at the hospital.
In bone marrow aspiration, the back of the pelvic bone is numbed with local anesthetic.
Then, a needle is inserted into the bone, and a syringe is used to remove a small
amount of liquid bone marrow. This causes a brief sharp pain. For the biopsy, a needle
is used to remove a tiny splinter of bone and marrow. Patients may feel some pressure
during the biopsy. There is some soreness in the biopsy area when the numbing
medicine wears off. Most patients can go home immediately after the procedure.
The bone marrow tissue is examined in the lab to see the appearance, size, and shape
of the cells, how the cells are arranged and to determine if there are myeloma cells in
the bone marrow and, if so, how many. The aspirate (the liquid part of the bone marrow)
may also be sent for other tests, including immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry,
and chromosome analyses, including karyotype and fluorescent in situ hybridization
(also known as FISH).
● Immunohistochemistry: a part of the biopsy sample is treated with special

proteins which cause color changes and help identify myeloma cells.
● Flow cytometry: A sample of bone marrow is treated with special proteins that
stick only to certain cells. This can help determine if those cells are abnormal and if
they are myeloma cells, lymphoma cells, some other cancer, or a non-cancerous
disease.
● Cytogenetics: A test that evaluates chromosomes (long strands of DNA) in normal

bone marrow cells and myeloma cells. Some myeloma cells may have too many
chromosomes, too few chromosomes, or other chromosome abnormalities (such as
translocations and deletions). Finding these changes can sometimes help in to
predicting a person’s prognosis (outlook). Cytogenetic testing usually takes about 2
to 3 weeks to get a result.
● Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH): It uses special fluorescent dyes that

only attach to specific parts of chromosomes. It can find most chromosome
changes (such as translocations and deletions) that can be seen in the lab in
standard cytogenetic tests, as well as some changes too small to be seen with
usual cytogenetic testing. It’s very accurate and results are often available within a
couple of days.
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Fine needle aspiration biopsy
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a very thin needle and a syringe to withdraw a small
amount of tissue from a tumor or lymph node. The doctor can aim the needle while
feeling an enlarged lymph node near the surface of the body. If the abnormal area
(tumor) is deep in the body, the needle can be guided while it’s watched on a computed
tomography (CT) scan (see discussion of imaging tests later in this section). The main
advantage of FNA is that it doesn’t require surgery. The disadvantage is that in some
cases the thin needle cannot remove enough tissue for a definite diagnosis.
Core needle biopsy
This test is similar to FNA, but a larger needle is used and a larger tissue sample is
removed.
If an area looks abnormal on an x-ray, a biopsy may be needed to confirm that it’s a
plasmacytoma. Most often, a needle biopsy (fine or core) is used.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests3 use sound waves, x-rays, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to
create pictures of the inside of your body. Imaging tests may be done for a number of
reasons, such as:
● To look at suspicious areas that might be cancer

● To learn how far cancer has spread
● To help determine if treatment is working
Bone x-rays
X-rays can detect bone destruction caused by the myeloma cells. Often doctors will do
a series of x-rays that includes most of the bones. This is called a bone survey or
skeletal survey.
CT scan (Computed tomography scan)
A CT scan uses x-rays taken from different angles, which are combined by a computer
to make detailed pictures of the organs. Sometimes, this test can help tell if your bones
have been damaged by myeloma. It can also be used to guide a biopsy needle into an
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area of concern.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Like CT scans, MRI scans show detailed images of soft tissues in the body. But MRI
scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. A contrast material called
gadolinium may be injected into a vein before the scan to see details better.
MRI scans are very helpful in looking at bones, the brain, and the spinal cord. Because
MRI can find plasmacytomas that can’t be seen on regular x-rays, they can be helpful if
the patient has pain in a bone but nothing abnormal is seen on the x-ray. MRI can also
be used to look at the bone marrow in patients with multiple myeloma.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
For this test, a form of radioactive sugar is put into a vein and travels throughout the
body. Cancer cells absorb high amounts of this sugar. A special camera then takes
pictures that show the areas where the sugar collected throughout the body. A PET
scan is often combined with a CT scan (known as a PET/CT scan).
When a patient appears to have a solitary plasmacytoma, a PET scan may be used to
look for other plasmacytomas. Like MRI scans, PET scans can find plasmacytomas that
can’t be seen on regular x-rays, so they are helpful if the patient has pain in a bone but
the x-ray result is negative.
Echocardiogram (ECHO)
Amyloidosis often affects the heart, so if your doctor diagnoses or suspects you have
this disorder, an echocardiogram (ECHO) may be ordered. This test is basically an
ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to look at the heart muscle and how well
it’s working. The echocardiogram can see if the heart size is normal and if it is pumping
normally. It also is especially helpful if amyloid is suspected because amyloid in the
heart muscle looks different from normal heart muscle.
Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed based on tests, the patient’s symptoms and the
doctor’s physical exam of the patient. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires either:
1. A plasma cell tumor (proven by biopsy) OR at least 10% plasma cells in the bone
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marrow AND
2. At least one of the following:
● High blood calcium level

● Poor kidney function
● Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
● Holes in the bones from tumor found on imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET scan)
● Increase in one type of light chain in the blood so that one type is 100 times more
common than the other
● 60% or more plasma cells in the bone marrow
Smoldering myeloma
This term is used to mean early myeloma that is not causing any symptoms. 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)
But they have normal blood counts, normal calcium levels, normal kidney function, no
bone or organ damage, and no signs of amyloidosis.
Light chain amyloidosis
A diagnosis of light chain amyloidosis is made when the patient has ALL of the
following:
● Signs and symptoms of amyloidosis

● A biopsy that shows amyloid in any tissue (fat, bone marrow, or organ such as the
heart)
● A positive test showing the amyloid protein is a light chain and not a heavy chain
● Abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, high levels of M protein in the blood, or
high levels of M protein in the urine.
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Amyloid can build up in any tissue, and a biopsy may be able to diagnose this disease.
Sometimes it can be seen on a bone marrow biopsy. The biopsy done most often to
look for amyloid uses a needle to remove some fat from the wall of the abdomen (belly).
This is after the skin over the biopsy site is numbed with medicine. A doctor uses a
special stain on the removed fat to look for amyloid.
Because amyloid often affects the heart and kidneys, they may also be biopsied to look
for amyloid. This is rarely needed to find out if a patient has light chain amyloidosis, but
it is sometimes done in someone with amyloid if it isn’t clear that their heart or kidney
problems are caused by the amyloid or some other problem.
Other tests are often done as well, to help confirm that the patient has light chain
amyloidosis and not some other kind. These include a bone marrow biopsy, serum free
light chains, and electrophoresis of the urine (these were discussed earlier in this
section).
Hyperlinks
1. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/understanding-your-
diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-lab-test-results.html
2. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/treatments-and-side-
effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html
diagnosis/tests/imaging-radiology-tests-for-cancer.html
Multiple Myeloma Stages

After someone is diagnosed with cancer, doctors will try to figure out if it has spread,
and if so, how far. This process is called staging. The stage of a cancer describes how
much cancer is in the body. It helps determine how serious the cancer is and how best
to treat1 it. Doctors also use a cancer's stage when talking about survival statistics.
The Revised International Staging System
Multiple myeloma is staged using the Revised International Staging System (RISS)
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based on 4 factors:
● The amount of albumin in the blood

● The amount of beta-2-microglobulin in the blood
● The amount of LDH in the blood
● The specific gene abnormalities (cytogenetics) of the cancer.
RISS
Stage Factors
Group
Serum beta-2 microglobulin is less than 3.5 (mg/L)
AND
Albumin level is 3.5 (g/dL) or greater
AND
I
Cytogenetics are considered “not high risk” *
AND
LDH levels are normal
II Not stage I or III
Serum beta-2 microglobulin is 5.5 (mg/L) or greater
AND
III Cytogenetics are considered “high-risk”*
AND/OR
LDH levels are high
*The bone marrow may be sent for tests to look at the chromosomes in the cancer cells.
This test may also be called cytogenetics. Certain chromosome changes can mean a
poorer outlook. For example, loss of a piece of chromosome 17 is linked to a poorer
outcome. Another genetic abnormality that predicts a poor outcome is an exchange of
material from chromosomes 4 and 14. This is called a translocation. A translocation
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involving chromosomes 14 and 16 is also linked to a poorer outcome. These 3 specific

chromosome changes are consideredhigh risk. Other chromosome abnormalities are
considered standard risk or not high risk.
Cancer staging can be complex, so ask your doctor to explain it to you in a way you
understand.
Factors other than stage that affect survival
Kidney function
The blood creatinine level shows how healthy the kidneys are. Kidneys eliminate this
chemical from the body. When they are damaged by the monoclonal immunoglobulin,
blood creatinine levels rise, predicting a worse outlook.
Age
Age is also important. In the studies of the international staging system, older people
with myeloma do not live as long.
Overall Health
Overall health can affect the outlook of someone with myeloma. Poorly controlled health
conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, for example, can predict a worse
prognosis.
Hyperlinks
1. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/multiple-myeloma/treating.html
References
American Joint Committee on Cancer. Plasma Cell Myeloma and Plasma Cell
Disorders. In: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. New York, NY: Springer; 2017:973.
Greipp PR, San Miguel J, Durie BG, et al. International staging system for multiple
myeloma. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(15):3412-3420.
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Survival Rates by Stage for Multiple

Myeloma
Survival rates tell you what percentage of people with the same type and stage of
cancer are still alive a certain amount of time (usually 5 years) after they were
diagnosed. They can’t tell you how long you will live, but they may help give you a better
understanding about how likely it is that your treatment will be successful. Some people
will want to know the survival rates for their cancer, and some people won’t.
What is a 5-year survival rate?
Statistics on the outlook for a certain type of cancer are often given as 5-year survival
rates. The 5-year survival rate is the percentage of people who live at least 5 years after
being diagnosed with cancer. For example, a 5-year survival rate of 90% means that an
estimated 90 out of 100 people who have that cancer are still alive 5 years after being
diagnosed. Keep in mind, however, that many of these people live much longer than 5
years after diagnosis.
Remember that all survival rates are estimates – your outlook can vary based on a
number of factors specific to you.
Survival rates don’t tell the whole story
Survival rates are often based on previous outcomes of large numbers of people who
had the disease, but they can’t predict what will happen in any particular person’s case.
There are a number of limitations to remember:
● The numbers below are among the most current available. But to get 5-year
survival rates, doctors have to look at people who were treated at least 5 years ago.
As treatments are improving over time, people who are now being diagnosed with
multiple myeloma may have a better outlook than these statistics show.
● These statistics are based on when the cancer was first diagnosed. They do not
apply to cancers that later come back or spread, for example.
● The outlook for people with multiple myeloma varies by the stage (extent) of the
cancer – in general, the survival rates are higher for people with earlier stage
cancers. But other factors can also affect a person’s outlook, such as their age and
overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. The outlook for each
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person is specific to his or her circumstances.
Your doctor can tell you how these numbers apply to you.
Survival rates for multiple myeloma
Remember, these survival rates are only estimates – they can’t predict what will happen
to any individual person. We understand that these statistics can be confusing and may
lead you to have more questions. Talk to your doctor to better understand your specific
situation.
The numbers below are the approximate median survival using the Revised
International Staging System of just over 3,000 myeloma patients treated between 2005
and 2012. These survival times are measured from the point that treatment, such as
chemotherapy, first started. Since 2000 the percent of patients living five years after
diagnosis has been increasing. Treatment since then has improved considerably and
modern survival results are likely to be better.
Revised International Staging System Median Survival
Stage I Has not been reached
Stage II 83 months
Stage III 43 months
References
Palumbo A, Avet-Loiseau H, Oliva S, et al. Revised International Staging System for

Multiple Myeloma: A Report From International Myeloma Working Group. J Clin Oncol.
August 2015.
SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2014. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute;
2017.
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Questions to Ask About Multiple

Myeloma
It’s important to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to
answer all of your questions, so that you can make informed treatment and life
decisions. For instance, consider these questions:
When you’re told you have multiple myeloma
● Where is the cancer located?

● Has the cancer spread beyond where it started?
● What is the cancer’s stage1(extent), and what does that mean?
● Will I need other tests2 before we can decide on treatment?
● Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals?
● If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and
treatment, who can help me?
When deciding on a treatment plan
● What are my treatment3 options?

● What do you recommend and why?
● How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
● Should I get a second opinion4? How do I do that? Can you recommend someone?
● What would the goal of the treatment be?
● How quickly do we need to decide on treatment?
● What should I do to be ready for treatment?
● How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
● What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest? Are there things
I can do to reduce these side effects?
● How might treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work full time?
● What are the chances the cancer will recur5 (come back) with these treatment
plans?
● What will we do if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer recurs?
● What if I have transportation problems getting to and from treatment?
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During treatment
Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all
of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful.
● How will we know if the treatment is working?

● Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
● What symptoms or side effects6 should I tell you about right away?
● How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
● Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
● Are there any limits on what I can do?
● Can I exercise during treatment7? If so, what kind should I do, and how often?
● Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel
overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
● What if I need social support during treatment because my family lives far away?
After treatment
● Do I need a special diet after treatment?

● Are there any limits on what I can do?
● What other symptoms should I watch for?
● What kind of exercise should I do now?
● What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
● How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?
● Will I need any blood tests?
● How will we know if the cancer has come back8? What should I watch for?
● What will my options be if the cancer comes back?
Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For
instance, you might want more information about recovery times. Or you may want to
ask about clinical trials9.
Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other
health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your
questions. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-
Patient Relationship10.
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Hyperlinks
1. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/multiple-myeloma/detection-
diagnosis-staging/staging.html
diagnosis/tests.html
3. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/multiple-myeloma/treating.html
4. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/finding-and-paying-for-
treatment/choosing-your-treatment-team/seeking-a-second-opinion.html
5. https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-
treatment/understanding-recurrence.html
effects/physical-side-effects.html
treatment/staying-active/physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient.html
treatment/understanding-recurrence.html
effects/clinical-trials.html
diagnosis/talking-about-cancer/the-doctor-patient-relationship.html
Written by
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

(https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/acs-medical-content-and-news-
staff.html)
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of
cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in
medical writing.
Munshi NC, Anderson KC. Ch. 112 Plasma cell neoplasms. In: DeVita VT, Hellman S,
Rosenberg SA, eds. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th edition.
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015.
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Rajkumar SV, Dispenzieri A. Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Niederhuber
JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 5th
edition. Philadelphia, PA. Elsevier: 2014:1991-2017.
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint

requests, please see our Content Usage Policy
(https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/about-us/policies/content-usage.html).
cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345
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cancer.org | 1.800.227.

Multiple Myeloma Early Detection,

● Can Multiple Myeloma Be Found Early?

Stages and Outlook (Prognosis)

● Multiple Myeloma Stages

Questions to Ask About Multiple Myeloma

● Questions to Ask About Multiple Myeloma

Can Multiple Myeloma Be Found Early?

People with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) or solitary

Signs and Symptoms of Multiple

Low blood counts

High blood levels of calcium

High levels of calcium in the blood (called hypercalcemia) can cause:

● Extreme thirst, leading to drinking a lot

Nervous system symptoms

● Sudden severe back pain

Signs and symptoms of light chain amyloidosis

Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma

Blood chemistry tests

immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis, is used to determine the exact type of

Serum free light chains

Bone marrow biopsy

● Immunohistochemistry: a part of the biopsy sample is treated with special

● Cytogenetics: A test that evaluates chromosomes (long strands of DNA) in normal

● Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH): It uses special fluorescent dyes that

Fine needle aspiration biopsy

Core needle biopsy

● To look at suspicious areas that might be cancer

CT scan (Computed tomography scan)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans

Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma

2. At least one of the following:

● High blood calcium level

● Plasma cells in the bone marrow between 10% and 60%

Light chain amyloidosis

● Signs and symptoms of amyloidosis

Multiple Myeloma Stages

The Revised International Staging System

● The amount of albumin in the blood

Serum beta-2 microglobulin is less than 3.5 (mg/L)

Albumin level is 3.5 (g/dL) or greater

LDH levels are normal

II Not stage I or III

Serum beta-2 microglobulin is 5.5 (mg/L) or greater

III Cytogenetics are considered “high-risk”*

LDH levels are high

involving chromosomes 14 and 16 is also linked to a poorer outcome. These 3 specific

Factors other than stage that affect survival

Survival Rates by Stage for Multiple

What is a 5-year survival rate?

Survival rates don’t tell the whole story

person is specific to his or her circumstances.

Survival rates for multiple myeloma

Revised International Staging System Median Survival

Stage I Has not been reached

Stage III 43 months

Palumbo A, Avet-Loiseau H, Oliva S, et al. Revised International Staging System for

Questions to Ask About Multiple