It sounds like your oncologist may be distinguishing between having myeloma markers showing up in tests versus having active myeloma that's causing symptoms or organ damage. That's a really important — and understandably confusing — distinction!
There's a condition called Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM), where abnormal Show Full Answer
It sounds like your oncologist may be distinguishing between having myeloma markers showing up in tests versus having active myeloma that's causing symptoms or organ damage. That's a really important — and understandably confusing — distinction!
There's a condition called Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM), where abnormal proteins or plasma cells are detected in tests, but the myeloma isn't yet causing active harm to the body.
For a diagnosis of active myeloma, doctors typically look for signs like:
- High calcium levels in the blood
- Kidney dysfunction
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Bone lesions visible on imaging scans
- Very high levels of abnormal plasma cells or proteins If those active signs aren't present, your oncologist may be saying the numbers look concerning on paper, but your body isn't showing the damage that confirms fully active myeloma yet.
It's completely reasonable to ask your oncologist to walk you through exactly what your results mean and why they're not calling it active myeloma. Questions like "What are we watching for?" and "When would treatment begin?" can really help bring clarity.
September 30
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