Multiple myeloma is classified into different stages using many different systems. The Durie-Salmon system and the International Staging System (ISS) are the most common systems used for the classification of multiple myeloma. Doctors simplify the classification of multiple myeloma to understand which treatment option should be chosen for a patient at a particular stage. The question would be as to how myeloma affects various organs, tissues, and causes symptoms in the individual’s body.

The progression of various factors in different stages of multiple myeloma is as follows:

Stage 1
As per the revised international staging system, the levels of LDH, albumin, and Beta-2 microglobulin are in the normal range or at least close to it. The genetic makeup possessed by the cancer cells at this point cannot make cancer particularly aggressive. It should be noted that cancer at this stage is highly diagnosable. However, people notice its presence only once it becomes more advanced. As per the Durie Salmon staging system, no damage to the bone is seen in the X-ray and no more than one bone marrow tumor would be found at this stage. Hemoglobin and calcium levels would be in the normal range. And while abnormal proteins can be found in the blood and urine, they wouldn’t be at significantly high levels. As per the American Cancer Society guideline, the life expectancy if found at this stage of multiple myeloma shows a median survival of 62 months.

Stage 2
According to the revised international staging system, in this stage, the albumin levels would fall from that in stage 1. The amount of Beta-2 microglobulin would still be in the normal range or can be slightly higher. As per the Durie Salmon staging system, the levels of abnormal proteins, calcium, and hemoglobin would be in between the general levels found in stage 1 and stage 3. There are chances of kidney damage being noticed in this stage. As per the American Cancer Society guideline, the life expectancy if found at this stage shows a median survival of 44 months.

Stage 3
As per the revised international staging system, in this stage, the levels of Beta-2 microglobulin will be significantly high. This is an indication that the condition has a vast spread at this point and that it has advanced. A significant increase in the LDH levels could be noticed at this stage or changes in the DNA indicating high risk can be observed at this stage. As per the Durie Salmon staging system, the level of calcium in the blood is high and that of hemoglobin is low. Damage on the bone can be found in more than three regions in the X-ray. The levels of abnormal proteins at this stage are significantly high. As per the American Cancer Society guideline, the life expectancy if found at this stage shows a median survival of 29 months.

It has been observed that about 50.7% or slightly over half of the population that has been diagnosed with this condition went on to live for over 5 years. Other factors that can improve the survival rate are younger age, absence of other serious health problems, and good kidney health.