Early diagnosis enables the best outcomes for myeloma patients

Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon form of cancer. About 35,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Early diagnosis is crucial to achieving the best possible outcomes. The team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City offers the latest precision cancer therapies and expertise to treat this complex disease. The first step in caring for you begins the moment you call.

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. Plasma cells are found in body tissue, mostly within the bone marrow.

In myeloma, a developing plasma cell becomes malignant. As the number of these cells increases, normal blood cell production is disrupted, and normal bone tissue is destroyed.

Multiple myeloma generally presents no symptoms until the disease reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis a challenge. Common signs and symptoms of myeloma, or multiple myeloma, include:

• Bone pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Weight loss

Those older than 50 are at greater risk than those under 40. Multiple myeloma affects more men than women and more African-Americans than Caucasians.

• If you have myeloma, you will find the leading specialists you need at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Our interdisciplinary team of oncologists and hematologists offers many years of experience in myeloma diagnosis and treatment. Radiation oncologists and our blood and marrow transplant team may also be involved in your care, and our specialists in these fields collaborate daily to apply their knowledge to leading patient care.
• Our commitment to collaboration extends to community physicians. We are very accustomed and happy to partner with your local physicians so that you can receive as much of your care as possible close to home and your support system.
• The University of Kansas Cancer Center is an academic medical center and a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. This culture and these distinctions provide our organization with access to the latest diagnostic and treatment advances, including promising clinical trials. This gives our patients the most hope and the most options in pursuing a return to good health.