Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
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.
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Arizona City, AZ
March 11
 · 
Reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Smoldering myeloma is often not called active cancer because it is considered an early or inactive stage of multiple myeloma.
Abnormal plasma cells and M-protein may be present, but there is still no damage to organs.

If these signs are not present, the disease is usually classified as smoldering myeloma rather than active multiple myeloma. Because of this, doctors often monitor patients closely with regular blood tests instead of starting treatment immediately.

Smouldering myeloma is like a “sleeping” or early form of the disease that has not yet started damaging the body.Some people can remain stable in the stage for many years, but careful monitoring is important to detect any changes early.

Doctors usually look for something called the CRAB criteria,
High Calcium levels, Renal (kidney) problems Anemia, Bone damage or lesions💪🩸🙏

Ask your doctor

March 11
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Peg,
I added you to my team. You can join if you want by clicking the Plus sign on the right of my name. I am Smoldering. Don’t believe that there are no symptoms. I have fatigue. My white blood cell count has been below normal since 2011. My creatinine can go above normal and so can my calcium levels. I have changed my diet, so my numbers have gotten better. I highly recommend Dr Brandy’s book “Beat Back Cancer Naturally.”
Paula 🌹

March 12
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you!

March 12
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you so much 😎

March 11
MyMyelomaTeam

Why isn't smoldering myeloma considered cancer?

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is classified as a precancerous condition rather than cancer because it doesn't cause symptoms or organ damage. While people with SMM have abnormal plasma cells and elevated M protein levels, these abnormalities haven't yet harmed the body.

Show Full Answer

Why isn't smoldering myeloma considered cancer?

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is classified as a precancerous condition rather than cancer because it doesn't cause symptoms or organ damage. While people with SMM have abnormal plasma cells and elevated M protein levels, these abnormalities haven't yet harmed the body.

SMM sits between two conditions:
- MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) - the mildest plasma cell disorder
- Active multiple myeloma - full-blown cancer

The key difference is that SMM is benign and asymptomatic. People with SMM have signs of disease that can be measured through tests, but they don't experience symptoms like pain, fatigue, or organ problems.

For a multiple myeloma diagnosis, doctors look for specific abnormalities including organ damage such as:
- High calcium levels
- Kidney failure
- Anemia
- Low platelet counts
- Bone lesions

Since SMM doesn't cause these issues, it's monitored rather than immediately treated as cancer. However, SMM does carry a risk of progressing to active myeloma - about 10% per year in the first five years after diagnosis, decreasing over time.

March 11

Related Questions

View All
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ebensburg, PA

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
New York Mills, MN

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lake Charles, LA

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In