How to Stage Multiple Myeloma
The treatments and life expectancy for people with multiple myeloma depend on different factors, especially the current stage of cancer. Like other forms, this condition can be divided into many stages, which help doctors and healthcare providers track your health and make the right treatment plan. There are basically two major systems for staging multiple myeloma, including the Durie-Salmon system and the International Staging System.
The Durie-Salmon system is a traditional method. It is based on the calcium level in your blood, as well as the proteins monoclonal immunoglobulin and hemoglobin. The stages also depend on whether the condition is causing kidney or bone issues or not. High monoclonal immunoglobin levels and low hemoglobin levels suggest advanced stages, while high calcium levels in the blood suggest advanced bone damages.
The International Staging System or ISS is a common method these days. It is based on collected data all over the world to classify multiple myeloma. There are three stages, which are measured by the levels of serum albumin and serum β2-M. [2]
