Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that affects both white and red blood cells. It causes cancer cells to accumulate in bone marrow, where they overpower healthy blood cells. Symptoms vary by patient, especially since the early stages of myeloma often present no visible signs or symptoms.
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Unfortunately, the symptoms for most cancers are not easily detected by specific symptoms. Each case of multiple myeloma is unique, which is why you have to get professionally diagnosed by your doctor. Symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Mental fogginess or confusion
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
- Weakness or numbness in your legs
- Excessive thirst
- Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest
Multiple myeloma can also cause the following:
- Hypercalcemia: This is when you have too much calcium in the blood, which can cause changes to urination, restlessness, confusion, increased thirst, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Impaired kidney function: The excess protein and calcium in the blood can put a strain on the kidneys when they try to filter all of the unwanted material out of the blood.
- Vulnerable to infection: Low levels of red blood cells can cause anemia, which makes you feel weak and tired. You can also have low white blood cells, which weaken the immune system and put you at risk for infection.
- Bone pain or bone fractures: The pain in your bones or fractures is caused by small fractures due to the accumulation of plasma cells.
