Why is it called smoldering myeloma?
The only signs of smoldering myeloma are an elevation of plasma cells (in the bone marrow) and a high level of a type of protein called M protein that shows up in lab tests in the urine and blood. The reason the disorder is referred to as “smoldering” is that it often worsens slowly over time.
What is high risk smoldering myeloma?
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic plasma cell dyscrasia with a high propensity to progress to symptomatic myeloma (MM). It meets all the diagnostic criteria for MM, but without lytic bone disease, anemia, renal failure, or hypercalcemia (CRAB symptoms).
Do you lose weight with smoldering myeloma?
Unexplained weight loss can be a common sign of multiple myeloma along with undernutrition and muscles wasting (also called cachexia.). In the study, a total of 378 newly diagnosed myeloma patients were enrolled. Thirty patients (7.9%) were underweight at diagnosis.
Is Smouldering myeloma rare?
It’s pretty rare. It does cause you to have high numbers of plasma cells in your bone marrow and a high level of a certain type of protein called M protein in your blood and urine. Smoldering multiple myeloma is similar to a disease called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
Can smoldering myeloma cause fatigue?
Data shows that approximately 10% of SMM patients progress to active myeloma every year in the first five years, 3% per year in years 6-10, and 1% per year thereafter. Newly developed symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or weight loss can be signs that the disease has progressed.
How do I stop smoldering in myeloma?
If you’re at high risk for active multiple myeloma, your doctor may prescribe a chemotherapy drug, lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone. These treatments may help you prevent complications and live longer. Immunotherapy. This new type of treatment for smoldering multiple myeloma is in clinical trials.