Staging
If the biopsy shows that you have multiple
myeloma, your doctor needs to learn the extent (stage)
of the disease to plan the best treatment. Staging may
involve having more tests:
- Blood tests: For staging, the doctor considers the
results of blood tests, including albumin and
beta-2-microglobulin.
- CT scan: An x-ray machine linked to a computer
takes a series of detailed pictures of your bones.
- MRI: A powerful magnet linked to a computer is
used to make detailed pictures of your bones.
Doctors may describe multiple myeloma as
smoldering, Stage I, Stage II, or Stage III. The stage
takes into account whether the cancer is causing
problems with your bones or kidneys. Smoldering
multiple myeloma is early disease without any
symptoms. For example, there is no bone damage.
Early disease with symptoms (such as bone damage) is
Stage I. Stage II or III is more advanced, and more
myeloma cells are found in the body.
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