Overview
Smoldering multiple myeloma low risk is considered a type of precursor to multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the plasma cells.
Understanding your Low Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview.
For your reference, the ICD-10 code is C90.00.
- Low Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
- What Tests Will I Need And Why?
Low Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
A Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Low-Risk diagnosis means that abnormal plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, are multiplying more than they should and are building up in the bone marrow. It is a condition where abnormal plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, are building up in the bone marrow but aren’t causing any symptoms or damage to the body.
Low Risk means the chance of it progressing to active myeloma is small, and it may stay stable for many years. Low-risk means that tests show a smaller number of these abnormal cells or proteins compared to higher-risk cases, and your blood and organs (like your kidneys) aren’t being harmed which is why you typically don’t feel any symptoms.
The term “Smoldering” is used to reflect that the disease is “simmering” without becoming aggressive or active. Doctors typically monitor low-risk SMM to make sure it doesn’t progress.
Regular check-ups are important however to monitor the condition and check for any changes, but many individuals may not need treatment for years, as the disease can remain stable. In fact, only about 10% of people with SMM progress to active multiple myeloma each year.
Helpful terms to know:
- Plasma cells: These are a type of white blood cell that makes antibodies, which are like tiny soldiers in your body that fight germs. In SMM, some plasma cells become abnormal and start multiplying too much.
- Low-risk: This means there are fewer abnormal cells or proteins compared to higher-risk cases, and important parts of your body, like your kidneys or bones, are not being damaged.
- Smoldering: This word means that the condition is “quiet” or “simmering.”
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Overview
A Multiple Myeloma diagnosis and risk level is determined using a variety of tests to see how advanced the condition is and whether it’s likely to progress. Here’s an overview of the main tests:
Blood Tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks for low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can indicate bone marrow issues.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) measures the level of abnormal proteins being produced by cancerous plasma cells.
Calcium Levels to determine if bone damage has been caused by multiple myeloma.
Creatinine Levels assess kidney function, which can be affected by multiple myeloma.
Urine Tests: find any abnormal proteins which are produced by abnormal plasma cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: primarily used to check the percentage of abnormal plasma cells verses normal plasma cells and to perform genetic testing to look for genetic abnormalities that may be linked to higher risk.
Imaging Tests: An X-ray, MRI and Pet Scan look for any bone damage or active disease.
Low Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma test results include:
None of the following:
1. Bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) >20%
2. M-Protein >2g/dL
3. Serum FLC ratio >20
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Commonly Searched Questions
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Survival Rate
The survival rate for smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) varies depending on several factors, including the risk of progression to active multiple myeloma and the presence of high-risk features. Since SMM is typically asymptomatic and doesn’t cause organ damage, survival rates are generally high, and many people live for many years without developing symptoms. However, once SMM progresses to active multiple myeloma, the survival rate depends on the response to treatment and other individual factors. The exact survival rate for SMM isn’t well-defined, as many people with the condition do not develop active disease, but those with high-risk features may have a higher chance of progression and a lower survival rate. Regular monitoring and early treatment can help improve outcomes.
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Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) typically does not cause symptoms. In fact, it is considered an asymptomatic or “pre-symptomatic” stage of multiple myeloma. People with SMM may have abnormal levels of plasma cells in the bone marrow and elevated amounts of monoclonal protein in their blood or urine, but they do not experience the common symptoms associated with active multiple myeloma, such as bone pain, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, or kidney problems. Monitoring is essential to detect any progression to active myeloma.
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Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) generally does not require immediate treatment because it is asymptomatic and not causing organ damage. Instead, the focus is on monitoring the condition with regular blood tests, urine tests, and bone marrow exams to check for signs of progression to active multiple myeloma. In some cases, if SMM shows signs of progression or has high-risk features, treatment options such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or stem cell transplant may be considered. However, treatment is typically not started until the disease progresses to symptomatic multiple myeloma.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Definition
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a stage of multiple myeloma where there is an abnormal increase of plasma cells in the bone marrow, but the person does not yet show symptoms of active multiple myeloma. It is considered an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic form of the disease, meaning there is no significant organ damage or symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, or kidney problems. People with SMM are closely monitored for signs of progression to active myeloma.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Prevention
Currently, there is no proven way to prevent smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or its progression to active multiple myeloma. Since SMM is a precursor to multiple myeloma, the focus is on monitoring and early detection rather than prevention. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and bone marrow evaluations are recommended for people diagnosed with SMM to track any signs of progression. Clinical trials are ongoing to explore potential treatments that might delay or prevent progression, but no specific preventive measures are established at this time.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Recurrence Rate
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a precursor to active multiple myeloma, and about 10-20% of people with SMM will progress to symptomatic myeloma within 2 years of diagnosis. The risk of progression is higher in individuals with certain high-risk features, such as elevated levels of monoclonal protein or a greater percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow. However, some individuals may never progress to active myeloma, and others may take 5 to 10 years to develop symptoms. Monitoring and early intervention can help manage the condition and detect any signs of progression.
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