Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in certain white blood cells called plasma cells. The function of these cells is to fight infections by making antibodies that help attack the germs. Those dealing with multiple myeloma lose the ability to fight these infections as cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd the healthy cells. Recognizing the following warning signs can help one get an early diagnosis and treatment:
Pain and weakness in bones
With multiple myeloma, cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow, so one of the first signs to develop is bone pain. This symptom usually develops in the back, hips, and skull. One may also experience weakness in the bones brought on by osteoporosis and plasmacytoma—a tumor of the plasma cells.
Low blood count
Shortage of red and white blood cells and blood platelets is another symptom that can be detected through various tests. One of the issues brought on by low blood counts is anemia, which results in weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a reduced ability to exercise. Further, leukopenia is a condition attributed to a diminished white blood cell count in the body. Here, one has a low resistance to infections like pneumonia. Another condition called thrombocytopenia is also one of the early warning signs of multiple myeloma. Here, even a small cut, minor scrape, or bruise can result in excessive bleeding.
High blood calcium levels
The condition hypercalcemia, in which the blood has excessive calcium, is a common sign of multiple myeloma. Some of the symptoms here are extreme thirst and dehydration, making one drink a lot of water. This can make one urinate frequently. Due to kidneys being overworked here, one could be susceptible to kidney damage and failure. Other symptoms of hypercalcemia include severe constipation, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, confusion, and drowsiness.
Nervous system symptoms
Multiple myeloma can affect the nervous system. The condition can weaken the bones in the spine and press on spinal nerves leading to spinal cord compression. This causes sudden and severe back pain, muscle weakness, and numbness (usually in the legs). The effect on the nervous system is usually a medical emergency, and if left untreated, it can lead to complications like paralysis. Additionally, one of the early warning signs of multiple myeloma is nerve damage, in which one can experience a sensation of pins and needles throughout the body.
In addition to the abovementioned signs, the condition can thicken the blood, causing hyperviscosity. This affects the blood circulation, causing confusion, dizziness, and stroke-like symptoms such as slurred speech and weakness on one side of the body. Other early warning signs include leg swelling, weakness, shortness of breath, and itching triggered by kidney-related issues. If one notices any such signs, they should seek immediate help and get appropriate treatment.
