What are the stages of myeloma?
Multiple myeloma has three stages, classified as stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3. Doctors use the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) to determine which stage you're in based on blood test results, protein levels, genetic changes in cancer cells, and other factors.
Stage 1 is the Show Full Answer
What are the stages of myeloma?
Multiple myeloma has three stages, classified as stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3. Doctors use the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) to determine which stage you're in based on blood test results, protein levels, genetic changes in cancer cells, and other factors.
Stage 1 is the earliest stage. Many people don't have symptoms yet. Testing shows minimal signs of myeloma and low levels of cancer cells. This stage may remain stable for years, and treatment might not start until symptoms develop or test results show high risk for progression.
Stage 2 is more advanced than stage 1 but not as severe as stage 3. You might experience symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, and frequent infections. More intensive treatments may be needed compared to stage 1.
Stage 3 is the most advanced stage. Protein markers in the blood are very high, and genetic changes indicate aggressive disease. Symptoms can include severe bone damage, anemia, and poor kidney function. This stage tends to progress more quickly.
It's important to know that if myeloma relapses, doctors typically don't change the stage from what existed at diagnosis. The stage helps guide treatment decisions and predict how the disease may progress.
February 19
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