About Myeloma
Key Highlights
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Comprehensive, multi-modal approach tailored to the individual's disease stage and health.Focuses on controlling cancer growth, managing symptoms, and preventing complications.Autologous stem cell transplant can offer a chance for deeper, longer-lasting remission.Ongoing management by a specialist (hematologist) ensures coordinated care for this chronic condition.Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have significantly improved treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of multiple myeloma based on blood tests, urine tests, and bone marrow biopsy.
- Symptoms such as bone pain (especially in the back or ribs), fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, or kidney problems.
- Presence of anemia, high calcium levels, or kidney dysfunction related to the disease.
- Active, symptomatic disease requiring intervention to prevent organ damage.
- Eligibility for high-dose therapy with stem cell rescue (transplant) in appropriate candidates.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including blood tests, 24-hour urine collection, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, PET-CT).
- A definitive bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to confirm diagnosis and assess cancer cell percentage.
- Evaluation of heart, lung, and kidney function to determine fitness for treatment.
- For stem cell transplant: Fertility preservation counseling and procedures if desired.
- Dental check-up to prevent infections during immunosuppression.
- Discussion of treatment plan, potential side effects, and long-term care strategy with the hematologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Side effects of chemotherapy: Nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and increased risk of infections.
- Specific to stem cell transplant: High risk of severe infection, bleeding, and organ damage from high-dose chemo.
- Potential for treatment-related secondary cancers.
- Kidney damage or failure.
- Bone damage (lytic lesions) leading to fractures.
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) causing numbness or pain.
- Blood clots (thrombosis).
Recovery & hospital stay
- After chemotherapy cycles: Recovery from side effects like fatigue and low blood counts occurs over weeks; regular blood tests are needed.
- Post stem cell transplant: Requires extended recovery. Initial 2-4 weeks in or near the hospital for close monitoring of infections and blood counts.
- Long-term: Gradual immune system recovery over 6-12 months; revaccinations are necessary.
- Ongoing maintenance therapy with oral medications is common to prolong remission.
- Regular follow-ups with the hematologist for monitoring via blood tests and imaging are lifelong.
- Supportive care includes medications for bone strength (bisphosphonates), pain management, and infection prevention.
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Typical hospital stay: Varies widely; 0 days for outpatient chemo, 3-4 weeks for stem cell transplant admission
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing management; initial intensive phase 3-6 months, full immune recovery after transplant can take 6-12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering myeloma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for myeloma in India include Manipal Hospital Ranchi, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform myeloma. MediFyr helps you compare hematologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for myeloma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 500 Thousand – 3.5 Million | Varies widely; 0 days for outpatient chemo, 3-4 weeks for stem cell transplant admission | ~ Ongoing management; initial intensive phase 3-6 months, full immune recovery after transplant can take 6-12 months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.75 Million – 12.3 Million | Varies widely; 0 days for outpatient chemo, 3-4 weeks for stem cell transplant admission | ~ Ongoing management; initial intensive phase 3-6 months, full immune recovery after transplant can take 6-12 months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Myeloma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated hematology teams and experience managing patients undergoing myeloma.
Ishaan Verma, a 58-year-old architect, had...
Ishaan Verma, a 58-year-old architect, had always been active and health-conscious. Over several months, he experienced persistent, dull back pain he initially attributed to long hours at his drafting table. When he began feeling unusually fatigued and noticed he bruised easily from minor bumps on site visits, his wife insisted he see a doctor. Blood tests revealed anemia and elevated protein levels, leading his primary care physician to refer him to Dr. Rao, a hematologist. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Dr. Rao recommended a treatment plan starting with a combination of targeted therapy drugs (a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory drug) to control the cancer cells. Ishaan experienced some side effects like neuropathy (tingling in his hands) and fatigue, but the medical team managed them effectively. After six months, his 'M-protein' levels dropped significantly, indicating a very good partial response. The treatment put his myeloma into a stable remission. Emotionally, the diagnosis was a profound shock, filling him with fear for his future and his ability to provide for his family. After responding well to treatment, he felt a cautious optimism return. He learned to pace himself, cherishing time with family more deeply, and found solace in a patient support group, transitioning from fear to a determined, grateful resilience.
Hematologists for Myeloma
Explore experienced hematologists who regularly perform myeloma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 11 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 10 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 18 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Hematologist
- 14 Years Experience
- Hematologist
- 27 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Hematologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata