4 Stages of Multiple Myeloma
In general, multiple myeloma can be broken down into four different stages:
– Smoldering stage: People with multiple myeloma do not show any active symptoms during this period. This means that the condition present in the body, but it does not cause any damage or progress in the kidneys or bones. A blood test can be hard to detect cancerous cells.
– Stage 1: There are a quite number of cancerous cells in the urine and blood. The levels of hemoglobin are just slightly below normal. Results of a bone X-ray can be normal or unusual in several affected areas.
– Stage 2: A moderate number of cancerous cells exist in your body. The levels of hemoglobin are lower than usual. The levels of blood calcium are high, while monoclonal immunoglobulin is also increased. X-rays would show some bone damages.
– Stage 3: This is the last stage of multiple myeloma. People in this stage have a high number of cancerous cells. Their levels of blood calcium are high, while the level of hemoglobin is below 8.5 g/dL. Bones might also be damaged severely by the condition. [3]
