Smouldering myeloma is an early form of the blood cancer myeloma. It occurs when abnormal cells are found in the bone marrow and abnormal proteins are detected in the blood or urine. Unlike active myeloma, it usually causes no symptoms and does not generally require immediate treatment. Patients are monitored regularly for signs that the condition is progressing. Some go on to develop active myeloma, although the timing varies and, in some cases, the condition remains stable indefinitely. More rarely, it can develop into AL amyloidosis. How is it diagnosed? Because smouldering myeloma typically has no symptoms, it is often discovered by chance during routine blood tests or investigations for another condition. Diagnosis may involve blood and urine tests, scans and a bone marrow biopsy, according to Myeloma UK. How is it treated? Smouldering myeloma is not usually treated unless there are signs it is developing into active myeloma or another related condition. Instead, patients undergo regular monitoring, as the potential benefits of early treatment may not outweigh the risk of side-effects. Source link