Multiple Myeloma Symptom

Signs and symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

• Bone Pain - Bone is formed by cells called osteoblasts and dissolved by cells called osteoclasts. Plasma cell tumors can release substances that activate the bone-absorbing osteoclasts and may block the bone-producing osteoclasts. These can cause areas of bone weakness that are often painful and can lead to widespread bone weakness.
• Symptoms of blood problems - When myeloma cells replace the normal blood-forming marrow cells, shortages of red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets result. A reduced amount of red blood cells, a condition called anemia, causes weakness, reduced ability to exercise, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
• Kidney symptoms - The abnormal amount of myeloma protein can damage the kidneys. This reduces a person's ability to dispose of excess salt, fluid, and body waste products. People with kidney failure usually experience weakness and leg swelling.
• High blood calcium - Sometimes the myeloma causes bones to dissolve so quickly that large amounts of calcium are released into the blood (hypercalcemia). This can cause the kidneys to fail. One symptom is being very thirsty and feeling dry. Others are loss of appetite, feeling drowsy or sleepy, and constipation.
• Infections - Myeloma patients are about 15 times more likely to develop infections. The most common and serious of these is pneumonia.

Other symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

• Pain in the lower back, long bones or ribs
• Generalized malaise
• Infections
• Fever
• Bleeding
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Bruising
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Meningitis

In patients with renal involvement, Fanconi syndrome may be the presenting manifestation. 16 This syndrome is characterized by aminoaciduria, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia associated with glucosuria, low anion gap (less than 5 mEq per L) and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.

Multiple Myeloma

Bookmark This Page:   :: :: ::

Health Tip

Store perishable food in the refrigerator, keeping meat and the fish at the bottom so they do not contaminate other food. Keep work surfaces clean and always reheat food thoroughly.