Stages of Multiple Myeloma
The International Staging System for multiple myeloma relies on two main factors: the levels of albumin, the main protein of human blood plasma, and beta-2-microglobulin, a common marker used to determine the presence of multiple myeloma in the blood.
Multiple myeloma commonly has three stages:
Stage I
- Relatively small number of myeloma cells.
- Levels of beta-2 microglobulin may be slightly higher than normal
- Levels of albumin may have decreased.
- Little anemia
- Small amount of M protein
- No bone damage
Stage II
- Intermediate stage of multiple myeloma determined if the levels tested fall between the standards set for stage I and stage III.
- Marked by more anemia and M protein presence
- Bone damage
Stage III
- Number of myeloma cells is considered high.
- High levels of beta-2 micro globulin
- Low levels of albumin.
- Still more M protein and anemia
- Signs of kidney damage
Treating multiple myeloma
As aforementioned, there is no cure to multiple myeloma, however, there are methods to decrease the occurrence and severity of the symptoms and prolong life.
- Combination of drugs administered by intravenous injection or taken as pills
- Stem cell transplant- administration of bone marrow cells
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy to repair painful areas of bone damage
- Broken bones can be surgically repaired in many cases.
Multiple myeloma can be a painful disease. However, a timely diagnosis can greatly improve a persons chance of remission and longevity.
