The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary widely among individuals, affecting different parts of the body, primarily the bones, bone marrow, and the immune system. Here are some key symptoms associated with multiple myeloma:
- **Bone pain**, especially in the back or ribs
- **Fatigue** due to anemia or other factors
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The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary widely among individuals, affecting different parts of the body, primarily the bones, bone marrow, and the immune system. Here are some key symptoms associated with multiple myeloma:
- **Bone pain**, especially in the back or ribs
- **Fatigue** due to anemia or other factors
- **Nausea**, which can be a direct symptom or a result of treatment side effects
- **Severe infections** due to the immune system being compromised
- **Renal (kidney) function** problems, which can manifest in various ways such as changes in urine color or frequency, swelling in the legs, and shortness of breath
- **High levels of calcium in the blood** (hypercalcemia), leading to extreme thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, and confusion
- **Anemia** (low levels of red blood cells), causing fatigue and weakness
- **Bone lesions** or fractures, which may occur with little to no trauma
- **Frequent infections** due to leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
- **Weight loss** and loss of appetite, which are more general symptoms but can be associated with the overall impact of multiple myeloma on the body's health
It's important to note that not everyone with multiple myeloma will experience all these symptoms, and the presence of these symptoms can vary greatly in severity. Early-stage myeloma, known as smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), may not cause any symptoms at all and could be detected through blood tests for unrelated health issues.
April 10, 2024
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