7 signs of multiple myeloma

The first sign of several myeloma differs for each person with the disease. Since this blood cancer tends to progress in silence and slowly, many people have no manifest signs when it started.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

1. Persistent bone pain

One of the first most common signs of multiple myeloma is persistent bone pain. This occurs due to the bone damage to myeloma cells forming in the bone marrow.

Myelome cells also increase the activity of osteoclasts (cells that damage the bone). In a study of more than 200 people with multiple myeloma, 37% of subjects reported bone pain as a first symptom.

The persistent bone pain due to multiple myeloma generally involves:

• Common locations: Bone pain in multiple myeloma generally occurs in the spine, the pelvis and the ribs.
• Pain that does not disappear: Bone pain tends to be persistent. Although it can be soft, moderate or severe, it often worsens with a movement or at night.
• Weaken: Myelome stimulates the activity of osteoclasts which interfere with the activity of osteoblasts (bone producing cells). This can cause osteoporosis (weakened bone), making bones more likely to fracture minor injuries.
• Compression of the spinal cord: While myeloma weakens the bones of the spine, they can collapse and exert pressure on the spinal nerves.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common sign of multiple myeloma. It affects approximately 32% of people with the disease.

It often occurs as a symptom of anemia (low number of red blood cells), which is present in around 60% to 70% of people at the time of diagnosis. Anemia develops when abnormal myeloma cells interfere with the production of healthy red blood cells.

Fatigue as a sign of multiple myelome can include:

• Weakness
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Dizziness
• Constantly tired despite adequate sleep

3. Frequent infections

Having frequent infections can be a red flag for a potential multiple myeloma.

Cancer plasmocytes reduce the production of white blood cells that support your immune system. As the level of white blood cells decreases, your immune system is damaged. Having a multiple myeloma makes you 15 times more likely to develop an infection than people without illness.

People with multiple myeloma can stay sick longer than usual and take more time to react to treatments. Infections that can occur as a sign of multiple myeloma are generally caused by viruses and bacteria that lead to:

• Pneumonia (pulmonary infection)
• Septicemia (blood intoxication)
• Meningitis (membranes infection around your brain and spinal cord)
• Bacteria (blood infection)
• Influence (flu)
• Herpes Zoster (Zona)
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Syncytial respiratory virus (RSV)
• Bladder and kidneys infections

4. Easily bruises or bleeding

Skin that bruises or bleeding can occur easily when myelom cells interfere with normal production of platelets, causing thrombocytopenia (Low number of plates). The characteristics of this condition may include:

• Longer coagulation time: Bleeding of cuts, scratches or minor bruises can continue longer than usual.
• Increased bruises: Light injuries suffered during normal activities can increase bruising under your skin.

Hypercalcemia

Up to 15% of people with multiple myeloma hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) as the first sign of disease when diagnosed. Blood calcium levels increase as myelom cells destroy damaged bones and kidneys cannot eliminate excess calcium in the urine. Hypercalcemia can present itself as a first sign of multiple myelome with the following symptoms:

• Extreme thirsty
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Confusion or depression
• Xerostomy (dry mouth)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain

5. Renal problems

Myelome proteins can interfere with normal kidney function. Damaged kidneys can lose their ability to remove liquid, salt and waste from your body. This can cause the following problems:

• Increase in thirst
• Micitation changes
• Liquid retention and leg swelling
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Itch

6. Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can occur as an early sign of multiple myeloma. It often results from a combination of factors, such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and changes in metabolism. About 24% of people with multiple myeloma reported weight loss before diagnosis.

7. Nervous lesions

Proteins M produced by myeloma cells can be harmful to the nerves. It can cause a condition called neuropathy, a term for weakening and numbness which may result from nervous lesions. This sign of multiple myelome can trigger the following sensations, generally in your hands and feet:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• “Pins and needles”

Main to remember

• Since there is no recommended screening test for multiple myeloma, it is crucial to be aware of any potential sign that could indicate the presence of this disease.
• Many signs of multiple myelome are common to benign and harmless conditions, therefore laboratory and imaging tests are necessary to determine if your symptoms are linked to this disease.
• The declaration of possible signs of multiple myeloma to your health professional can help them determine the risk of your disease and prescribe the tests necessary for a precise diagnosis as soon as possible.