12 Signs Of Multiple Myeloma Cancer

It also sometimes presents asymptomatically, so you may have the disease for a while before you notice any of the signs and symptoms.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma?

Although the presence of one or more of the following signs and symptoms doesn't necessarily confirm the presence of multiple myeloma, if you have several of them, you might want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

1. Anemia: When myeloma takes over the bone marrow, the cancerous cells can limit the marrow's ability to make red blood cells, and the patient can become anemic. Platelet production can also suffer, so clotting is compromised, and the patient may bruise easily.
2. Frequent bleeding: Whether it's nosebleeds, bruising, or hyperviscosity, multiple myeloma can inhibit your body's ability to make platelets, which are the cells responsible for clotting.
3. Bone pain: Multiple myeloma weakens the bones because it leaches calcium from them, so bone pain and fractures are more common. The tumors are often located in the bone marrow, and they lack calcium due to leaching that can cause soft spots. These soft spots are called osteolytic lesions. Bisphosphonates that are used to treat osteoporosis are sometimes used to treat bone loss in patients with this type of cancer, and these types of drugs can also alleviate pain.
4. Confusion or brain fog: Some patients with multiple myeloma have very thick blood, called hyperviscosity, which can make the bloodstream sluggish. This results in reduced blood flow to the brain which can make an individual appear confused, dizzy, unable to think clearly or exhibit stroke-like symptoms.
5. Constipation: Multiple myeloma can cause too much calcium in the bloodstream, which results in a condition known as hypercalcemia. This can result in constipation and other issues with the digestive system.
6. Fatigue: When myeloma cells die, cytokines are released, and they upset the homeostatic balance of the body. Treatments that accelerate myeloma cell death can amplify the degree of fatigue. Cancer fatigue is common among those who have cancer, and multiple myeloma is no different.
7. Frequent infections: Patients with multiple myeloma are more susceptible to infections than others, particularly viral infections. The disease attacks the white blood cells, which are an essential component of the immune system, so the body's immune system is compromised. Infection is one of the leading causes of death in patients with multiple myeloma.
8. Excessive thirst: Hypercalcemia resulting from multiple myeloma causes extreme thirst, so even though the patient drinks excessive amounts of liquids, it doesn't alleviate their thirst.
9. Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite is symptomatic of those with many types of cancer. This can be attributed to feelings of depression or apprehension about the disease or the hypercalcemia that occurs with the disease. Hypercalcemia can also cause nausea and adversely affect the appetite.
10. Nausea: About one-third of those who develop multiple myeloma also develop hypercalcemia, and one of the side-effects of too much calcium in the blood is nausea.
11. Weakness in extremities: Since multiple myeloma can adversely impact the spinal cord, patients can experience weakness, tingling, or numbness in their legs. Sometimes, this is due to plasma cells that have grown within the spinal canal and are pressing on the spinal cord.
12. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is very common with those who have multiple myeloma. This can be due to nausea associated with too much calcium in the blood, other gastrointestinal issues caused by multiple myeloma, or treatments such as chemotherapy. Those who are apprehensive or depressed may also be disinclined to eat and therefore lose weight even though they're not trying to lose weight.

If you have some of the above signs and symptoms, it doesn't confirm that you have multiple myeloma. You need a professional diagnosis for that. However, if you have several of them, you shouldn't delay seeking medical treatment.

Is Multiple Myeloma Fatal?

Although there is, at present, no cure for this cancerous disease, some patients live for more than 20 years after they're initially diagnosed with it. It's a lifelong condition since there's no cure, but many good treatment options are available. Interestingly, most patients die from complications of the disease rather than from the disease itself. Since they're more susceptible to viral diseases such as pneumonia, many die from other diseases or from anemia, kidney failure, and so forth.

If you've been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, don't despair. You can still live a long life by properly managing the disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.