• Plasma cell neoplasms (Plasmacytoma)
  This type of blood disease occurs when abnormal plasma cells or myeloma cells form tumors in the bones or soft tissues of the body. The plasma cells also make an antibody protein, called M protein, that is not needed by the body and does not help fight infection. These antibody proteins build up in the bone marrow and can cause the blood to thicken or can damage the kidneys.

• Multiple Myeloma
  This is the most common, cancerous type of plasma cell neoplasm. Multiple Myeloma tumors keep the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells. As the number of myeloma cells increases, fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made. The myeloma cells also damage and weaken the bone.
   

Our team of pathologists has expertise in the diagnosis and classification of rare blood cancers, like multiple myeloma. Recognizing that treatment decisions are dependent upon an accurate diagnosis, we routinely ensure that your biopsy material is retrieved and reviewed by a pathologist with expertise in this area. Common ways multiple myeloma may be diagnosed are:

• Lymph Node Biopsy
  Part or all of a swollen lymph node will be removed and then analyzed to determine if it is cancerous.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy
  A small sample of bone marrow will be taken and analyzed to see if cancer is present.

• Other Biopsy
  Another tissue sample may be removed from the body if see if cancerous cells are present.

The following list provided contains a few of the possible treatment options. Treatment often depends on the stage of multiple myeloma, the patient’s age, and any other health problems the patient may have.

• Chemotherapy
  Many of our patients will be treated with chemotherapy. Some may receive their medication with an infusion (IV) or they may have oral medication. [this will link to the chemotherapy page]

• Surgery

• Radiation Therapy
  This involves using radiation to kill cancer cells at their site of involvement. [this links to Radiation Therapy program]

• Immunotherapy
  For some patients with multiple myeloma that isn’t responding to other treatments OR has come back, we offer CAR T-cell Therapy. This type of treatment uses the power of your immune cells against the blood cancer. 

• Bone Marrow Transplant
  For some of our patients, it may be advisable to undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant -- a procedure to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. 

• Symptom Management
  Each patient is unique and has individual needs associated with cancer care. We offer support for the symptoms or discomforts associated with the disease, such as:

  • Pain

  • Neuropathy

  • Nutrition issues

The Rogel Cancer Center features Patient Support Services. This program is dedicated to helping those impacted by lymphoma with a variety of support, from Art Therapy to Social Work.