Multiple myeloma or plasma cell myeloma, is a type of blood cancer cancer that strikes the plasma cells, or white blood cells responsible for producing our body’s defensive immune antibodies. According to statistics, multiple myeloma is rather rare, comprising only 2% of annual cancer diagnosis.
Multiple myeloma typically develops within bone marrow, however, it can reside in any area of the body that host lymphocytes—including the bone marrow, intestines, blood, and lymph nodes. Multiple myeloma develops when lymphocyte or plasma cell growth drastically increases, producing several tumors (or plasmacytomas). While multiple myeloma is hard to diagnose in the early stages, due to very subtle symptoms. Advanced forms of this cancer can cause bone pain, abnormal bleeding, anemia, and frequent infections that complicate several body systems (i.e., blood, kidneys, bone marrow, bones, and the immune system).
Look for these early warning symptoms of Multiple Myeloma:
1. Bone pain
Multiple myeloma is often associated with bone pain, often in the skull, back, and the hips. Prevelency to osteoporosis, and bone weakening, is also common in patients with plasmacytoma.
2. Frequent fractures
Patients with multiple myeloma are also prone to frequent broken bones due to minor injuries or joint stressors.
3. High calcium levels
Hypercalcemia (or high levels of calcium in the blood) is often indicative of multiple myeloma, and leads to dehydration, increased thirst, kidney issues (i.e., increased urination), constipation, drowsiness, and fatigue. If left untreated, hypercalcemia can cause coma.
4. Decreased blood count
Due to decreased levels in blood platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells multiple myeloma can lead to serious bleeding (or thrombocytompenia) due to minor abrasions and bruising. Anemia and fatigue are also common due to low red blood cell count. Lowered white blood cells often cause recurrent infections (i.e., pneumonia and bacterial infections).
5. Blood thickening
This cancer can lead to hyperviscosity (blood thickening) when multiple myelomas are present. Decreased blood flow to the brain often results in dizziness and confusion, as well as slurred speech, and numbness on one side of the body (similar to a stroke).
6. Compromised nervous system
When multiple myeloma takes up residence in the spine, spinal nerves become compressed and lead to numbness and tingling (or peripheral neuropathy) in the legs, muscle weakness of the extremities, and severe back pain. In this case, permanent paralysis can occur if left untreated.
7. Kidney issues
When multiple myeloma strikes the kidneys, damage and failure of the kidneys can occur. As excess salt, fluid, and body waste products are left to build up in the body, leg swelling and weakness is common.
