1. Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow Pictures
3. Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Primary health care providers will usually refer people with myeloma to a hematologist or oncologist.

• Although medical treatments are fairly standardized, different doctors have different philosophies and practices in caring for their patients.
• A person may want to consult with more than one specialist before selecting the hematologist-oncologist.
• Family members, friends, and health care providers are good resources to get referrals. Many communities, medical societies, and cancer centers offer telephone or Internet referral services.

During a consultation with a hematologist-oncologist, the person will have an opportunity to ask questions and to discuss the treatments available.

• The doctor will present each type of treatment, give the pros and cons, and make recommendations based on published treatment guidelines and the doctor's experience.
• Treatment for myeloma depends on the stage. Factors such as age, overall health, and recurrence of myeloma are included in the treatment decision-making process.
• The decision of which treatment to pursue is made between the person's hematologist-oncologist (with input from other members of the care team) and family members, but the decision ultimately rests with the patient.
• For optimal treatment results, a person should be certain to understand exactly what will be done and why, and what to expect from the treatments that have been decided upon.

Like all cancers, myeloma is most likely manageable when it is diagnosed early and treated promptly.

• A treatment plan is individualized for a specific situation.
• The most widely used therapies are chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and/or radiation therapy.
• Newer medications that are active against myeloma may be offered, either as single therapy or together with chemotherapy.
• Supportive care is given to treat complications and symptoms. Some potential supportive care medications include growth factors for anemia and medications to treat bone disease.
• Some patients may be referred for additional treatment, such as stem cell transplantation.

Must Read Articles Related to Myeloma

Bone Marrow Biopsy A bone marrow biopsy is performed to evaluate bone marrow function or to determine the cause of some infections, diagnose tumors, determine how far a disease, s...learn more >>

Cancer Symptoms Most symptoms and signs of cancer may also be explained by harmless conditions, so it's important to limit one's risk factors and undergo appropriate cancer scr...learn more >>

Cancer: What You Need to Know The news comes like a sledgehammer into the stomach: "I'm sorry to tell you, but you have cancer." Every year, a million Americans are devastated by news of can...learn more >>

See the Entire Myeloma Topic Guide »