Living with Light chain deposition disease
A rare condition in which protein pieces build up in the kidneys and sometimes other organs.
Understanding Light chain deposition disease
Light chains are used to make antibodies, and people with LCDD make too many. The kidneys are always involved. Signs may include protein in the urine, lower kidney function, or nephrotic syndrome. The heart or liver are rarely affected.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition. Its summary describes these signs:
- Protein in the urine
- Lower kidney function
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Heart symptoms (rare)
- Liver symptoms (rare)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists, cancer specialists and kidney specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists); Kidney specialists (nephrologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The underlying cause is unknown. It is often associated with multiple myeloma, and it may be present at diagnosis or progress to multiple myeloma.
Also known as: bence jones myeloma; lcdd; light chain disease; light chain gammopathy
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyLight chain deposition disease · United States
- Blood Cancer UnitedLight chain deposition disease · United States
- International Myeloma FoundationLight chain deposition disease · United States
- National Kidney FoundationKidney diseases · United States
- Renal Support NetworkKidney diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Light chain deposition disease.
Explore research for Light chain deposition disease
Explore actively recruiting Light chain deposition disease studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Light chain deposition disease with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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