It is called “smoldering” because it doesn’t produce symptoms, but also doesn’t resolve.
It slowly worsens over time, eventually leading to severe complications.
This article looks at possible signs, causes, and complications of smoldering myeloma.
Alex Raths / Getty Images
It also discusses the risk of progression, treatments, and how to cope.
People usually learn they have SMM when a routine blood test comes back indicating multiple myeloma.
(The M-protein is an abnormal antibody produced by cancerous plasma cells.)
Multiple myeloma may not cause symptoms early on, so this test result can come as a surprise.
The spine, pelvis, and rib cage are the most common areas affected by MM-related disorders.
Kidney damage: Having too much M-protein can overload the kidneys.
The issue is further complicated by the excess calcium build-up that occurs in people with multiple myeloma.
The kidneys are then unable to properly filter waste from the blood, which can lead tokidney failure.
This leads to an impaired immune system and frequent infections.
Proper treatment can lower your chances of developing these complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
No one really knows what causes smoldering myeloma or multiple myeloma.
A 2017 study revealed evidence that early treatment of high-risk cases helped people live longer.
Those at low to intermediate risk of progression are not treated due to the potential for severe side effects.
That’s why high-risk people with SMM should be treated.
Coping With SMM
Being diagnosed with smoldering myeloma can be emotionally challenging.
It may also help to talk with friends and family or find a support group online orin your community.
Healthcare providers determine your risk of SMM progressing to multiple myeloma based on the results of lab tests.
People at high risk generally start treatment to prevent or delay multiple myeloma.
This involves chemotherapy drugs or newer anti-cancer medication.
National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.Drug shows promise in slowing progression of smoldering myeloma to cancer.
2012;26(2):383-93, ix.
doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2012.02.009
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.Understanding multiple myeloma.
2015;125(20):3069-3075. doi:10.1182%2Fblood-2014-09-568899
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.Early treatment of smoldering multiple myeloma.
2020;10(10):102.
Visram A, Cook J, Warsame R.Smoldering multiple myeloma: evolving diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.Hematology.
2021;2021(1):673-681. doi:10.1182/hematology.2021000304
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.Treatments for multiple myeloma.
doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(14)70442-5
