Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
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Understanding Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare blood cancer that develops within the bone marrow. As the cancerous plasma cells accumulate, other healthy blood cells are crowded out. This can cause several different types of symptoms ranging from anemia (too few red blood cells) to easy bruising if the condition causes the number of platelets in the blood to drop.
The myeloma cells also interact with another type of cell called osteoclasts, a cell specialized to help dissolve mineralized bone tissue. This is typically a normal process that works in conjunction with the osteoblasts (the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue).
However, the myeloma cells activate the osteoclasts causing the bones to dissolve at a faster rate than they are formed. This weakens the bones and may lead to another condition, called hypercalcemia, from the increased levels of dissolved calcium in the blood.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms of multiple myeloma may not show up until the cancer has reached advanced stages. And the symptoms may vary from person to person and some people may show no signs of the disease. In other cases, certain symptoms may become so severe that they require immediate medical attention.
Some common symptoms of multiple myeloma include:
- Bone pain
- Fractured bones
- Easy bruising or bleeding (thrombocytopenia)
- Fatigue or feeling of weakness
- Increased frequency of infections or fever (leukopenia)
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mental confusion
Related Conditions
As the cancer progresses, several other conditions may develop. The build-up of abnormal antibody proteins and high blood calcium levels from the dissolved bone tissue may lead to kidney problems.
For example, weakened vertebrae could potentially cause spinal cord compression. Numbness or tingling may be a sign that of pressure on the spinal cord, and this could lead to paralysis if there is no immediate medical intervention.
Conditions resulting from multiple myeloma may include:
- Weakened immunity - As the myeloma cells build-up there may be a decrease in the level of functional plasma cells that produce antibodies. Without the ability to produce antibodies, the body is unable to ward off infection.
- Anemia - Blood counts of multiple myeloma patients often show a shortage of red blood cells. These cells deliver oxygen to all the organs and cells throughout the body. Anemia can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue or a feeling of weakness.
- Hypercalcemia - As the osteoclasts rapidly dissolve the bone tissue calcium is released into the blood. The kidneys are sometimes unable to handle the high level of blood calcium and normal kidney functions may be compromised. Excessive thirst, dehydration and nausea may result. In some cases, hypercalcemia may cause mental confusion or even a coma.
Multiple myeloma symptoms may slowly develop over time. Some of the symptoms are quite serious, such as numbness or tingling in the arms and legs or confusion and dizziness, and require immediate medical care. Some of these symptoms may be signs of other conditions. A visit to the doctor can help to determine the cause of your symptoms and is also an opportunity to seek treatment for any pain or discomfort.
NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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