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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Question about back issues & MRI results

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Portsmouth, NH

My doctor mentioned scoliosis of the left side today after seeing my MRI
I'm having a Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) at the L2 and L4 levels.
Question about the following: my MRI indicated "Marrow: There is diffuse marrow heterogeneity, with multiple foci of T1 hyperintensity and STIR hyperintensity" - pertaining to smoldering myeloma vs multiple myeloma. Any thoughts? I go for my bloodwork in a couple of weeks & I see my hematologist/oncologist at the end of October.

Than… read more

September 29, 2025
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

It means the bone marrow doesn’t look uniform and has multiple bright spots that light up on both T1 and STIR. This finding is nonspecific — it doesn’t point to one single cause. It could represent things like:
Benign marrow changes (e.g., from aging, anemia, obesity, smoking).
Inflammatory or infectious processes.
Bone marrow–replacing conditions (like MM, lymphoma, leukemia, or metastases).
Healing from previous injuries.
Blood work will be useful. Be sure the IG antibodies, light chains and M-spike are also reported with the routine results. These are additional blood tests and require specific blood vials.

September 30, 2025
MyMyelomaTeam

The distinction between smoldering myeloma (SMM) and multiple myeloma typically depends on several factors beyond just MRI findings. While bone marrow changes can be indicative of myeloma, a definitive diagnosis requires additional testing including blood work and evaluation of specific symptoms.

Key differences between Show Full Answer

The distinction between smoldering myeloma (SMM) and multiple myeloma typically depends on several factors beyond just MRI findings. While bone marrow changes can be indicative of myeloma, a definitive diagnosis requires additional testing including blood work and evaluation of specific symptoms.

Key differences between SMM and multiple myeloma include:
• SMM shows no symptoms
• SMM has no organ damage
• SMM requires monitoring but not necessarily immediate treatment Your upcoming blood work and oncology appointment will be crucial as they will look for specific indicators such as:
• Abnormal protein levels
• Calcium levels
• Kidney function
• Red blood cell counts
• Presence of bone lesions

It's good that you're being monitored closely. Your healthcare team will use all these results together - the MRI findings, blood work, and clinical examination - to determine if you have SMM or multiple myeloma and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

September 29, 2025

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