Multiple Myeloma Specialist

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting plasma cells, which are in bone marrow. Your bone marrow produces blood cells, and the plasma cells produce antibodies that help your immune system identify pathogens that don’t belong, like viruses and bacteria. 

Cancerous plasma cells grow uncontrollably. These cells do not stop producing antibodies, but they can no longer do so effectively and begin to produce abnormal antibodies called monoclonal proteins. Instead of aiding your immune system, monoclonal proteins can damage your kidneys and other organs. 

Which type of multiple myeloma do I have?

Multiple myeloma occurs in different variations, which are somewhat rare. The team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, can assess and treat:

Indolent myeloma

Indolent myeloma develops slowly and doesn’t produce excessive monoclonal proteins. It also does not cause symptoms. 

Advanced multiple myeloma

Advanced multiple myeloma is where a high number of myeloma cells are present in the body. At this stage, multiple areas of bone destruction can be detected.

Solitary plasmacytoma

Solitary plasmacytoma involves the growth of a tumor in the bone.

What are the signs and complications of multiple myeloma?

The more advanced your multiple myeloma becomes, the more likely you are to notice its effects on your body. Some of the most common signs, symptoms, and complications of multiple myeloma are:

• Low blood counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets
• Bone damage
• Kidney failure
• Increased infections
• Excessive calcium
  
  

If you have too much calcium in your system, it’s because your damaged bones are leaking it. Excessive calcium can cause nausea, vomiting, low appetite, and thirst, among other symptoms.

What are my treatment options for multiple myeloma?

Like other types of cancer, multiple myeloma requires an individualized treatment plan to slow disease progression and ease any symptoms or complications. The team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, might not recommend treatment right away if you don’t have any symptoms. 

Your treatment plan for multiple myeloma might involve:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Corticosteroids
• Targeted therapy
• Bone marrow transplant
• Supportive treatments for complications
  
  

The team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, collaborates with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your treatment results in the best possible outcome. 

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends, and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

Don’t let multiple myeloma go without detection or treatment. Call the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, or request an appointment online today.