There Are Two Types of Blood Cancer Myeloma

There are two types of the blood cancer myeloma. These types consist of solitary myeloma also known as myeloma plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma.

Solitary myeloma is a form of blood cancer that develops in the white blood cells known as the plasma cells. These cells are produced in the bone marrow which is the spongy material found inside the bone. For this reason, the bone marrow is the area that is most directly affected by this disease. Most cases that involve these plasma cells growing beyond control result in tumors being formed and spreading throughout the bone marrow. When there is only one area in one location where the bone is destroyed it is diagnosed as solitary myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is formed pretty much the same way as solitary myeloma with the exception that when the tumors develop they spread to other areas such as the throat, lungs or sinuses. When the tumors are in several locations with several tumors it is called multiple myeloma. Solitary myeloma that spreads to other areas like the sinuses or throat is often referred to as extramedullary disease and in most cases can be cured with surgery or radiation therapy.

Both forms of the blood cancer myeloma are known to cause bone pain but with solitary myeloma it is usually only within the bone that is affected.

In order to properly diagnose solitary myeloma there are several tests that your doctor may conduct including bone marrow biopsies, x-rays and bone scans. A blood test may also be done to verify that there are no other tumors and none of the other symptoms such as those found in multiple myeloma like anemia, which is a decreased count of red blood cells, and damage to the kidneys. If no other lesions are found the individual is usually treated with localized radiation therapy but in order to determine this, an MRI and PET scan should be done first to make sure there is only one location affected. MRI is a magnetic resonance image and PET is a positron emission tomography. Both are tests that provide a more detailed image of the body thus giving more information about how different things affect the condition of the body.

Many doctors think that when a person is diagnosed with a solitary myeloma that it is simply the early stages of multiple myeloma. For this reason they believe that even solitary myeloma will in time spread and become multiple myeloma. Because of this your doctor may want to perform frequent testing to watch your condition to ensure that it has not spread and thus catching it quickly if it does begin to spread. It is always helpful to detect any kind of cancer as quickly as possible.

Many hospitals provide treatments through myeloma clinics which are specific facilities that specialize in the treatment of myeloma cases. In some cases these clinics may even have the option of offering alternative treatments for blood cancer myeloma that may not be readily available in other facilities.