Multiple myeloma (MM) and lymphoma are cancers that start in blood cells. Lymphoma begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Multiple myeloma originates in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Both are considered types of blood cancer.
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There are two main types of lymphoma — Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In Hodgkin lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, abnormal lymphocytes, are present. The absence of these cells characterizes non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Multiple myeloma can also be divided into two types — Hyperdiploid and non-hyperdiploid. Hyperdiploid MM is generally less aggressive. In this type of cancer, the myeloma cells have an abnormally large number of chromosomes. In non-hyperdiploid MM, myeloma cells have a minimal number of chromosomes.
The signs and symptoms of these two types of blood cancer can vary.
Consulting with a doctor can uncover some additional signs of MM, such as:
If you notice any of these signs, your doctor may order a blood count test, urine test, or blood chemistry test. These tests can help identify low platelet counts, low red and white blood cell counts, and other abnormalities.
Your doctor may also order imaging scans, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or echocardiograms, to determine if a tumor is present. A bone marrow biopsy or a lymph node biopsy can determine whether a tumor is malignant (cancerous).
The treatment for both MM and lymphoma can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The goal is to kill the cancer cells while preserving as many of your healthy cells and tissues as possible.
Patients with lymphoma also sometimes get surgery and radiation therapy. A common surgery for lymphoma is a bone marrow transplant. With this treatment, cancerous bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells from a compatible donor.
Many patients with blood cancers also need blood transfusions as part of their treatment. Blood transfusions can help increase blood cell counts when the tumor prevents the body from producing healthy blood cells on its own.
New treatments are being developed all the time, and some patients who do not respond well to traditional therapy or have advanced cancer choose to take part in clinical trials. At The Oncology Institute, our clinical trial program can help you find the right clinical trials for you.
With the proper treatment, the outlook for MM and lymphoma is promising, especially if cancer is caught early. The 5-year relative survival rates for myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma are 62.4% and 89%, respectively, and for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, they are 74.2%.
In addition to cancer treatments, patients with MM and lymphoma may need supportive care. This may include counseling to deal with the emotional impact of cancer and the uncertainties this diagnosis can bring. Supportive treatments can also include nutritional counseling and other supports to help you stay as healthy as possible. At The Oncology Institute, we offer a range of support services to help you.
Even after treatment is complete, follow-up care and monitoring remain essential. This care is especially important with blood cancers because having one type of blood cancer can put you at risk of developing a different kind of cancer later. Your doctor, oncologist, and other specialists will work with you to help you keep your risk low and to catch any signs early.
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At The Oncology Institute, our oncologists treat a range of blood cancers, including advanced-stage cases. We offer a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and provide a supportive environment focused on your care. Please request an appointment to get started with your treatment or to find out more about how we can help.
