Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
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Understanding Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare cancer that develops in the bone marrow. As the cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the marrow, other healthy blood cells are crowded out. This can cause several different symptoms, such as infection, anemia, and problems with bruising and bleeding.
The myeloma cells also increase the activity of cells called osteoclasts (which break down bone) and decrease the activity of osteoblasts (which form new bone), causing the bones to dissolve at a faster rate than they are formed. This can damage and weaken the bones, causing pain and lesions.
What are the Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma symptoms may develop slowly over time. Often, early stage multiple myeloma is asymptomatic (displays no symptoms) and symptoms don’t appear until the disease reaches an advanced stage.
Although multiple myeloma symptoms vary for each individual, some common ones include:
- Bone pain (often in the back or ribs)
- Unexplained bone fractures (usually in the spine)
- Fatigue, feeling of weakness
- Recurrent infections, fevers
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Increased thirst, urination
Related Conditions Associated With Multiple Myeloma
As multiple myeloma progresses, other conditions may develop:
- Low blood counts: In multiple myeloma, malignant cells replace the normal blood-forming cells in the marrow. This can result in: anemia (low red blood cell count), which can cause shortness of breath, fatigue or a feeling of weakness; leukopenia (low white blood cell count), which can increase the risk of infections; or thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count), which can cause easy bruising or bleeding.
- Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood): As the osteoclasts rapidly dissolve bone tissue, calcium is released into the blood. Hypercalcemia can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, dehydration and constipation, as well as mental confusion, dizziness or even coma.
- Kidney problems: The build-up of abnormal antibody proteins and high blood calcium levels from the dissolved bone tissue may lead to kidney problems.
- Spinal cord compression: Multiple myeloma can cause weakened and/or collapsing bone structures, such as the vertebrae, which can lead to spinal cord compression. Pain, numbness or tingling may be a sign of pressure on the spinal cord, which could lead to paralysis if there is no immediate medical intervention.
NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer, such as an infection or other illness. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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