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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.

Does relapse happen in the same location as original diagnosis?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Crestview, FL
August 9
 · 
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I’m no hematologist but my two cents is no. Myeloma does not necessarily relapse in the same location. Multiple myeloma is a disease of plasma cells in the bone marrow, so a relapse can appear in a different bone, multiple locations, the bone marrow without a new visible lesion, or simply show up first through changes in blood tests such as M-protein or free light chains. It can also recur at a previously involved site, but it doesn’t have to. That’s one reason doctors monitor blood work and sometimes imaging and bone marrow rather than watching only the location involved at diagnosis. Maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in though.

Jeff

August 11 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Relapse? What relapse? We don't need no stinking relapses!
My play on words from the great Bogart movie The Treasure of Sierra Madre.

https://youtu.be/VqomZQMZQCQ?is=YM3V_YjIQzqT9Lra

Y'all should know me by now. Even when I'm feeling like crap, I won't let it affect my positive outlook!

August 9
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

What about with a previous Plasmacytoma ?

August 9
MyMyelomaTeam

With myeloma, relapse isn't quite like a localized tumor coming back in one spot. Myeloma originates in the bone marrow, which is found throughout the body, so a relapse essentially means the myeloma cells have started growing again within that same system — the bone marrow and blood. When a relapse occurs, it can show up Show Full Answer

With myeloma, relapse isn't quite like a localized tumor coming back in one spot. Myeloma originates in the bone marrow, which is found throughout the body, so a relapse essentially means the myeloma cells have started growing again within that same system — the bone marrow and blood. When a relapse occurs, it can show up in various ways across the body, including:

- Bone marrow — increased plasma cells detected through testing
- Bones — new or growing lesions, especially in the hips, back, or skull
- Blood — higher levels of abnormal proteins (M protein)
- Kidneys — signs of impairment from protein buildup
- Blood calcium levels — elevated levels (hypercalcemia)

So rather than returning to one specific location, myeloma relapse tends to be systemic — meaning it can affect multiple areas at once.

It's always worth keeping up with regular blood, urine, and imaging tests so your care team can catch any signs of relapse early, even before symptoms appear.

August 9
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

The quick answer,”No.” Is there a certain area you are worried about. Talk to your doctor.
Paula🌹

August 9 (edited)

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