Signs & Symptoms of Myeloma

Myeloma, commonly called multiple myeloma, is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells become too numerous in the bone marrow, which can cause the bone to erode. Because plasma cells are an integral part of the immune system, people with multiple myeloma will have a compromised immune system. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009 more than 20,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma and more than 10,000 people will die of the condition. Multiple myeloma mainly affects people older than 50, and more men than women develop the condition. Treatment options for multiple myeloma patients include stem cell transplants, chemotherapy and other drug and radiation therapies. The five-year survival rate for people with multiple myeloma is about 35 percent, with younger patients having a better survival rate.

Infections

• Because multiple myeloma affects the immune system, people with the condition are more likely to develop infections. The most common infection is pneumonia, a condition that can be quite serious, especially in the elderly.

Bone Pain

• Multiple myeloma causes the bones to weaken and deteriorate, and the weak areas of the bones may become painful. The most commonly affected bones multiple myeloma patients experience pain in are the skull, hip bones and backbone.

Blood Symptoms

• Because the myeloma cells will begin to replace healthy bone marrow cells, people with multiple myeloma will often have low red and white blood cell and platelet counts. Because of this, myeloma patients may become anemic or notice heavier than normal bleeding from cuts. People with multiple myeloma may have high calcium levels in the blood. This can cause excessive thirst, loss of appetite, constipation and nausea.

Nervous System

• When the spine is affected, nerves can be compressed, resulting in numbness, pain or weakness. In some cases, nerves may be damaged, resulting in slower blood flow. This can lead to mental confusion and stroke-like symptoms. Multiple myeloma patients who develop these symptoms need to contact a doctor immediately.

Kidney Symptoms

• The kidneys can become damaged in multiple myeloma patients when blood calcium levels or myeloma protein levels get too high. When the kidneys are damaged and they cannot effectively remove fluids, salt and other waste products from the body, patients may develop swelling in the legs from fluid retention.