Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow.

In multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a more than normal level. The result can be erosion of your bones. The disease also interferes with the function of your bone marrow and immune system, which can lead to anemia and infection. Multiple myeloma may also cause kidney problems.

The disease is called multiple myeloma because myeloma cells can occur in multiple bone marrow sites in your body.

If you have multiple myeloma but don’t have symptoms, your doctors may just monitor your condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms, various treatments are available.

Signs and symptoms

Although multiple myeloma may not cause symptoms early in the disease, it’s likely that you’ll experience signs and symptoms as the disease progresses.

Signs and symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person. Common multiple myeloma symptoms include:

—      Bone pain.

—      Presence of abnormal proteins — which can be produced by myeloma cells — in your blood or urine. These proteins — which are antibodies or parts of antibodies — are called monoclonal, or M, proteins. Often discovered during a routine exam, monoclonal proteins may indicate multiple myeloma, but also can indicate other conditions.

—      High level of calcium in your blood. This can occur when calcium from affected bones dissolves into your blood.

If you have a high calcium level in your blood, you may experience signs and symptoms such as:

—      Excessive thirst and urination

—      Constipation

—      Nausea

—      Loss of appetite

—      Mental confusion

Anemia can occur as myeloma cells replace oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your bone marrow, which may lead to another common symptom — fatigue.

Other signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma may include:

—      Bone pain, particularly in your back or ribs

—      Unexplained bone fractures

—      Repeated infections — such as pneumonia, bladder or kidney infection, or sinusitis

—      Weight loss

—      Weakness or numbness in your legs

Share This