Myeloma

We offer the most advanced, personalized treatment available for myeloma.

Myeloma begins in the bone marrow and is a cancer of the plasma cells—white blood cells that produce infection-fighting antibodies. Because the plasma cells are compromised, people with myeloma have weakened immune systems and are susceptible to infection. We treat it with an integrated team of hematologists (specialists who focus on disorders that affect the blood and related structures) and oncologists, who treat cancer.

After our hematology-oncology team has diagnosed your specific type of myeloma, they will walk you through your personalized myeloma treatment options. This includes extensive support and education resources from diagnosis through survivorship.

Myeloma symptoms

Myeloma symptoms depend on the type of myeloma. Some signs of the disease can include:

• Anemia (a shortage of red blood cells, also known as low iron)
• High protein levels in the blood and/or urine
• Hypercalcemia (excessive calcium in the blood)
• Kidney damage or failure
• Osteoporosis
• Susceptibility to infection
• Unexplained weight loss

Types of myeloma

Myeloma is classified by how rapidly or slowly the disease progresses:

• Asymptomatic: Also known as smoldering myeloma, this type of the disease moves slowly and often produces no symptoms.
• Symptomatic: This type of myeloma progresses quickly and can cause anemia, kidney damage and bone disease.

Within these two major types, there are also several different forms of the disease, including:

• Multiple myeloma: More than 90 percent of people with myeloma have this type. Multiple myeloma affects many areas of the body.
• Plasmacytoma: In this type, myeloma cells collect and form tumors in a specific are of the body. Plasmacytoma of the bone often turns into multiple myeloma.
• Localized myeloma: This type is found in one area of the body with exposure to neighboring sites.
• Extramedullary myeloma: This type of the disease involves tissue other than the bone marrow, such as the skin, muscles or lungs.