The National Cancer Institute describes multiple myeloma as a cancer that originates in a type of blood cell called a plasma cell. Plasma cells circulate throughout the body and produce antibodies that help rid the body of infections. The severity of multiple myeloma is described by a designation of stage. The National Cancer Institute notes that the stage of multiple myeloma helps the doctor decide the best approach to treatment.
Smoldering
The first stage of multiple myeloma is termed "smoldering," meaning that the disease is in its earliest stages, according to the National Cancer Institute. Smoldering multiple myeloma indicates that, while cancerous cells are present, there is no damage in the bones or kidneys. In fact, smoldering disease has an absence of any overt physical symptoms.
Stage I
The American Cancer Society describes Stage I multiple myeloma as when only a small number of myeloma cells can be found. The blood protein hemoglobin is only slightly below normal; the blood protein monoclonal immunoglobulin, which is produced by the myeloma cells, is only slightly above normal; x-rays show that the bones are normal, or only one area is affected. The Greenbaum Cancer Center notes also that no tumors can be found in the bones in Stage I.
Stage II
Stage II multiple myeloma is when "a moderate number of myeloma cells are present," according to the American Cancer Society. Stage II is diagnosed when the features of the disease are not quite severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of Stage III, but are more severe than Stage I.
Stage III
The Greenbaum Cancer Center reports that Stage III is the most advanced stage of multiple myeloma. A large number of myeloma cells can be found throughout the body. Anemia may occur in Stage III, meaning that the red blood cells and hemoglobin are at a low enough level that oxygen is not being delivered efficiently throughout the body. Extensive bone damage results in very high blood calcium levels. There are multiple tumors in the bones, called plasmacytomas. The American Cancer Society adds that Stage III is characterized by very high levels of monoclonal immmunoglobulin both in the blood and the urine. Furthermore, the National Cancer Society notes the the kidneys may suffer extensive damage during this most advanced stage.
