{"id":2534,"date":"2019-01-20T06:46:50","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T06:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2534"},"modified":"2021-05-20T15:44:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T15:44:54","slug":"15-most-common-multiple-myeloma-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-most-common-multiple-myeloma-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Most Common Multiple Myeloma Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Our bone marrow contains plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight off infections in the body. Myeloma is a rare form of cancer affecting the bone marrow. The disease modifies blood plasma cells, slowing their growth. Cancer cells don\u2019t die off like normal, healthy cells. Instead, myeloma multiplies at a rapid pace, overwhelming bone marrow cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the myeloma cells grow and multiply, the body\u2019s production of white blood cells begins to decline. A weakened immune system loses the ability to fight off invading pathogens and affected individual’s risk exposure to other diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myeloma cells also produce harmful monoclonal proteins that damage various organs in the body. As the toxic proteins accumulate and myeloma cells multiply, affected individuals begin to experience a variety of troubling symptoms. Here are eight common signs of multiple myeloma, if you notice any of them, contact your doctor for a diagnosis.
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1.    Kidney Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As multiple myeloma <\/a>cells take up residence in bone marrow, they begin to spread at a rapid rate through the soft tissue. As the myeloma cells start to reach a critical mass, they produce dangerous monoclonal proteins. These proteins produce antibodies that your body can\u2019t use and, as a result, they begin to attack your kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys and liver are part of the body\u2019s \u201cfiltering system.\u201d Monoclonal proteins damaged kidney cells, causing them to expand and hemorrhage as the disease progresses. This renal reaction leads to symptoms such as a tight lower back, feelings of pain when you lie down, and in the advanced stages affected individuals start to see blood in their urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat kidney disease using drug therapy and dialysis machines. Dialysis cleans your blood of the proteins before reintroducing it back into the body. When left untreated, the aggressive proteins may lead to eventual kidney failure.
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2.    Weak Bones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bone marrow produces new cells that the body uses to replace mature cells that have done their duty in the body. Myeloma affects the bone marrow’s ability to generate new cells, dramatically reducing the health of your immune system<\/a>. However, the cancer cells also prevent bone marrow from producing new bone and cartilage cells as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the lack of new bone cells, the skeletal system begins to turn to a fragile state. As the bones continue to thin, it exposes the skeleton to a higher risk of developing sudden skeletal and joint conditions, such as spondylosis \u2013 a structural disease that\u2019s similar to osteoporosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lack of new bone cells and thinning bones also exposes affected individuals to breaks and fractures. Being that there are no new cells to help heal the bones, damage to the skeletal system and joints may take an extended period to repair, and in some cases, bone bruises, breaks, and fractures don\u2019t heal at all.
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3.    Chronic Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Multiple myelomas affects the immune system in a big way. As the invading cancer cells take up residence in healthy bone marrow, they multiply at a rapid rate, inundating the healthy cells and forcing them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the cell turnover, production of antibodies <\/a>begins to dramatically decline, leaving the immune system in a weakened state. As the body loses its immune function, it has less white blood cells available to fight off infection. This declining immune response makes the bodywork twice as hard as it should fend off attacks of disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decrease in immune efficiency means the body requires more calories to keep up its fight against germs, bacteria, and viruses. As a result, you burn more energy than you usually would with a healthy immune response. This increased need for calories leaves affected individuals feeling tired all the time, and as the disease progresses, chronic fatigue begins to take over your feeling of well-being.
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4.    Low Blood Counts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As myeloma invades bone marrow, it begins to crowd out the healthy cells. As the disease spreads, the marrow becomes deficient at producing new white and red blood cells. Low red blood cell counts lead to a condition known as \u201canemia<\/a>,\u201d where the body experienced a diminished capacity to carry oxygen to the organs and muscular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This loss of oxygen adds to feelings of fatigue and light-headedness. With no new red blood cells, the condition progresses as the multiple myeloma spreads. Myeloma also affects white blood cell count in the body. White blood cells fight off disease and infection. With reduced white blood cells in your bloodstream, the body struggles to fight off invading illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLeukopenia,\u201d is the medical term for low white blood cell count. As the multiple myeloma continues to occupy marrow tissue, affected individuals produce less and less of these vital cells, making it much more challenging for the body to fend off infection.
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5.    Increased Infection Frequency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve discussed, a drop in white blood cell count means that individuals suffering from multiple myeloma are more susceptible to infection. Fewer antibodies <\/a>make it difficult to fight off diseases. It\u2019s common for people suffering from the disease to experience a higher risk of catching the flu and other seasonal illnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lack of antibodies also means that diseases have a higher chance of developing into chronic conditions. For instance, a bout of the flu might turn into bronchitis, which then evolves into pneumonia. Pneumonia can be a life-threatening condition, and the body struggles to remove mucus from the lungs, even with the assistance of antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, patients with multiple myeloma often experience a hospitalization, not from the myeloma, but from a disease that takes advantage of their weak immune system. Many patients pass away from subsequent infections, like pneumonia. Patients living with multiple myeloma should take extra care in where they visit, people they come in contact with, and surfaces they touch.
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6.    Dizziness and Confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As multiple myeloma progresses, the cells begin to release monoclonal proteins that attack the nervous system<\/a>. The proteins inhibit neurotransmitter signals from the brain to the muscular system, leading to feelings of numbness and weakness in the limbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients suffering from the cancerous cell invasion release large amounts of the toxic proteins, causing the blood to thicken. This condition is known as \u201chyperviscosity,\u201d and it slows blood flow to the brain. Combined with anemia, hyperviscosity creates symptoms of confusion, light-headedness, and a reduction in cognitive processes, such as thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This thickening of the blood also contributes to the risk of developing a stroke. When the brain doesn\u2019t receive enough oxygen to function optimally, it begins to shut down neural pathways, eventually resulting in a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients experiencing these symptoms should visit a hospital for a procedure called, \u201cplasmapheresis.\u201d This process is similar to dialysis, and removes harmful monoclonal proteins from the blood, rapidly reversing the condition.
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7.    Nausea and Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients suffering from multiple myeloma may require aggressive treatment to slow the spread of the cancer cells. Chemotherapy <\/a>is often a recommended course of treatment for all outpatients, and these drugs prevent the replication of the myeloma cells. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic compounds, and it usually takes a combination of these medications to slow the progression of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the chemotherapy, patients receive frequent blood tests to determine the health status and the efficacy of the drug therapy. Chemotherapy medications for myeloma patients include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    doxorubicin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    cyclophosphamide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    bendamustine (Levant)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    idarubicin (Zavedos)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    melphalan (Alkeran)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People all have different responses to these drugs, and doctors administer chemotherapy medications intravenously or orally. However, in most cases, pill formats seem to provide the least amount of side-effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the cytotoxic nature of these drugs leads to side-effects and complications with treatment. Individuals undergoing chemotherapy treatment may experience nausea and weight loss as the drugs work their way into the bloodstream.
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8.    Cardiovascular Irregularities, Increased Thirst, and Frequent Urination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Multiple myelomas aggressively attack the skeletal system, dissolving bone cells while destroying marrow. As the bones break down, they release calcium into the bloodstream. this increase in calcium is known as \u201chypercalcemia<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under normal circumstances, the body requires calcium to strengthen the skeletal system and provide the body with a mineral balance. However, when there\u2019s too much calcium in your blood, it can create kidney stones, as well as complications with cognitive processes in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypercalcemia also is a contributing factor to the development of nausea, constipation, and vomiting. In advanced stages of the condition, patients may experience irregular heart function which produces palpitations, arrhythmia, and bouts of fainting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of hypercalcemia include an increase in thirst that cannot be satisfied, no matter how much water the patient drinks. Consuming more water puts added strain on the kidneys which are already struggling to deal with the monoclonal proteins. As a result, the patient may experience dehydration and frequent urination that further damages the kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. High Calcium Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Calcium <\/a>is a vital mineral for maintaining optimal health. Many foods are rich sources of calcium, and consuming this mineral in your diet ensures you have strong bones and healthy teeth. In most cases, people lose their calcium deposits as they age. The bones leech the mineral into the bloodstream, where it starts to cause all sorts of health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypercalcemia is the medical term for high levels of calcium in the bloodstream. While it may not seem like having too much of this mineral circulating through your veins, hypercalcemia is a severe health disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with hypercalcemia find that they experience extreme thirst, no matter how much water they have to drink. As a result, the patient may find that they urinate frequently \u2013 and this may lead to dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excess calcium in the bloodstream can also cause feelings of fatigue and cognitive confusion. If left unmanaged and untreated, the situation can become life-threatening \u2013 resulting in renal issues and abdominal pain. In the advanced stages of the condition \u2013 the patient runs the risk of falling into a coma.
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10. Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of multiple myeloma may find that they frequently develop bouts of constipation<\/a>. This term describes a condition where the patient finds it challenging to pass stool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intensity of constipation symptoms can vary, from severe to mild. In most cases of constipation, we find that the condition has a link to the development of hypercalcemia in the patient. Excess calcium in the digestive system disrupts the normal peristaltic function of the gastrointestinal system, resulting in changes to stool production and elimination in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients may find that their constipation symptoms intensify after sitting for long periods. When the patient does not move around, the calcium may settle into the lower intestines, causing severe constipation or an increase in symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat this symptom using laxatives to flush the bowels clean of any excess calcium. Severe constipation is rare in most cases, but it can occur if the patient does not receive treatment in time.
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11. CNS Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The central nervous system is the body\u2019s information superhighway. Every second, the CNS delivers hundreds of thousands of nerve signals to the body. These signals control everything from our mental state to our physical health. When the CNS is in a dysfunctional state, it can have severe health consequences for the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are suffering from the effects of multiple myeloma may find that they experience a disruption in their nervous system stemming from levels of chronic fatigue<\/a>. The development of multiple myeloma also weakens the spine, causing the patient to experience trapped nerves that result in pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left unmanaged and untreated, the patient may start to experience the onset of sudden lameness in their legs, as well as symptoms of muscular weakness in the lower limbs and the unexpected development of severe back pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This situation presents a medical emergency, and the patient requires immediate treatment to prevent paralysis.
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12. Hyperviscosity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This medical term describes an accumulation of myeloma proteins in the bloodstream<\/a>. As a result of the rise in proteins, the blood starts to thicken, causing a significant drop in circulatory capacity. This thickening of the blood causes plenty of health complications in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A drop in cognitive function is one of the first places where patients notice the effects of hyperviscosity. The brain relies on the delivery of oxygenated blood to maintain its normal cognitive function. However, when hyperviscosity starts to limit the supply of oxygen to the brain, patients begin to feel the effects on their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, patients start to develop problems with focus and concentration. They may drift off when others are speaking to them, and they also feel lethargic and tired. In severe cases, hyperviscosity can lead to the development of symptoms similar to a stroke, resulting in slurred speech and weakness on one side of the body.
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13. Weak Immune Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects on multiple myeloma find that they start to experience increased rates of infection with diseases that they would typically be able to brush off without getting sick. As a result, patients may find that they catch the flu <\/a>faster than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A weakened immune system is a severe health concern. The immune system keeps our body free from infection, and fights of invading pathogens. However, in a weakened state, your body may give in to the effects of the disease, resulting in the development of multiple infections, of the progression of the disease in further health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who start to develop multiple infections require round-the-clock care in a hospital to ensure they do not risk catching any other infectious disease that has life-threatening consequences. Patients who contract bacterial infections like pneumonia, may not be able to recover from the illness, resulting in the death of the patient from a complication of multiple myeloma.
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14. Compression of the Spinal Cord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of multiple myeloma may find that they start to develop problems with the nervous system, as previously mentioned. This symptom occurs due to the disease corroding the vertebrae <\/a>in the spine, resulting in the collapse of the structure. The lower back is a hub of nerve endings, and there is a significant chance that one of these nerves may end up trapped in the collapsing vertebrae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient starts to notice the onset of pinched nerves, which may or may not cause pain. However, the compression of the spinal cord may also trap nerves between the vertebrae. As a result, the patient may develop sudden-onset numbness or tingle in their legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This situation is a severe health concern and requires immediate treatment from a health professional, to ensure that the patient does not experience permanent paralysis from nerve entrapment. The tingling or numbness felt by the patient is a sign of nerve entrapment and if left untreated, could result in permanent paralysis.
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15. Risk and Survival Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Developing multiple myeloma comes with a set of risk factors that make some individuals more prone to developing the disease than others. Review the list of risk and survival factors below. If you find that you are in any of the high-risk groups for the development of multiple myeloma, then speak to your doctor about a prevention plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CKD \u2013 Patients who are living with kidney disease<\/a> are more likely to experience the onset of multiple myeloma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age also plays a role in the survival rate. The older the patient, the lower the chance of them recovering from the disease. Most people diagnosed with multiple myeloma are over 60-years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level of Health \u2013 Our health also plays a significant role in the development of myeloma.  Those individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men are also more likely to develop the condition than women, and black people are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma than white people.

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