Signs & Symptoms of End Stage Myeloma

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. It starts in the bone marrow where the plasma is made but can then spread to other areas of the body. The illness is frequently referred to as "multiple myeloma" because it effects many bones simultaneously instead of originating from a single source. Myeloma is a very serious illness that can have a multitude of symptoms that evolve as the condition gets worse. End-stage myeloma has serious symptoms.

Broken Bones

• Osteoporosis can frequently develop in the final stages of myeloma because the plasma cells continue to multiply in the bones and inhibit the activity of healthy cells. The bones then become weak and very prone to fracture, especially in the back. The spine is more vulnerable because the vertebrae support the weight of the body and can no longer handle the stress. Any movement in the body generally adds some pressure to the spine and that can lead to a break in the vertebrae.

Anemia

• Anemia is another common symptom in the end stages of myeloma. Anemia is caused by a shortage of red-blood cells in the body and this results because of the increase of cancerous plasma cells. The cancer cells interfere with the production of healthy red blood cells and causes anemia. While the patient would be suffering from exhaustion prior to the end stage of myeloma, the anemia would greatly increase this problem as the shortage of red blood cells brings about fatigue, shortness of breath and paleness.

Spontaneous Bruising and Bleeding

• Myeloma can bring about hyperviscosity syndrome, which is a buildup of sludge in the blood vessels. This can bring about a rupture of the blood vessel and cause spontaneous bleeding both internally as well as out of the nose and mouth. Bleeding can also happen in the eye to result in blindness. Bruising can also suddenly appear anywhere on the body without any trauma to cause the injury. The bleeding can also occur in the brain and result in strokes and cognitive problems.