What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. These white blood cells are found in the bone marrow and produce antibodies to help your immune system fight infections.
Cancerous plasma cells produce abnormal proteins called M proteins. A high level of M proteins can damage your kidneys and weaken your immune system. These cancerous cells also replace normal cells with tumors, usually in the bone marrow. This can cause bone damage and lead to bone pain or fractures.
Multiple myeloma symptoms
The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary from person to person. Some people with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all.
According to the American Cancer Society, the most common multiple myeloma symptoms include:
Bone problems
Bone pain that can be in any bone but is most often in your back, hips, and skull
Bone weakness, either all over (osteoporosis) or where there is a bone tumor
Broken bones or fractures, sometimes from minor stress or injury
Low blood count
Anemia — low levels of red blood cells, which may cause weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness
Leukopenia — low levels of white blood cells, which can increase your risk of infections and weaken the immune system
Thrombocytopenia — low blood platelet counts may cause serious bleeding even with minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises
High levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause:
- Extreme thirst
- Excessive urination
- Dehydration
- Kidney problems and even kidney failure
- Severe constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Leg swelling
