Myeloma is classified based on the type of abnormal antibody (M protein) that the cancerous plasma cells produce. Here's a breakdown of the main types:
By antibody type
- IgG myeloma – The most common type, affecting about 2 in 3 people with myeloma
- IgA myeloma – The second most common, affecting about 1 in 5 people
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Myeloma is classified based on the type of abnormal antibody (M protein) that the cancerous plasma cells produce. Here's a breakdown of the main types:
By antibody type:
- IgG myeloma – The most common type, affecting about 2 in 3 people with myeloma
- IgA myeloma – The second most common, affecting about 1 in 5 people
- IgD, IgM, and IgE myeloma – These are rarer forms
By protein production:
- Light chain myeloma (Bence-Jones myeloma) – Plasma cells produce only light chain proteins (either kappa or lambda), not full antibodies. This affects about 15% of people with myeloma
- Nonsecretory myeloma – A rare type where cancerous plasma cells don't produce any M protein at all, making it harder to track Myeloma can also be described by how it behaves over time:
- Relapsed myeloma – Myeloma that returns after a treatment that previously worked
- Refractory myeloma – Myeloma that continues to progress despite treatment, which can be harder to manage
Knowing your specific type helps your care team track the disease and choose the most effective treatment plan for you.
July 24
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