10 Common Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma People Usually Ignore

What are the 10 common symptoms of Multiple myeloma

In most cases, it won’t show any early symptoms, and if any symptoms appear, then they are often dismissed as less serious health concerns, which makes it difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages.

Here are some 10 common symptoms of multiple myeloma that people usually ignore, but should not ignore.

Consistent Fatigue

If you get tired from time to time, even after taking proper rest, and you won’t be able to recover from the weakness, then this is often a sign of anemia. This usually occurs when the bone marrow starts to produce fewer amounts of blood cells.

Bone pain

Experiencing pain in the back, chest, hips, or other bones in the body is considered a common symptom of this disease, often caused by bone damage from the cancer.

Frequent infections

If you are experiencing more frequent infections than usual, then that can be due to when the myeloma cells produce large amounts of white blood cells. It can weaken the immune system, and that can lead to an increased vulnerability to getting various infections. 

Unintentional weight loss

If you are experiencing unexpected weight loss, then that can be a sign of multiple cancers, including myeloma. 

Experiencing tingling or numbness in the limbs

If you are concerned about experiencing tingling or numbness in the legs and ankles, then it can occur in people when there is nerve involvement from bone damage.The nerve damage often happens when proteins are produced by the cancer cells in patients.

Excessive thirst and Frequent urge to urinate

People with this health condition might experience high calcium levels in the blood, also known as hypercalcemia, which can make you feel extremely thirsty and cause instant thirst and a frequent urge to urinate.

Experiencing brain fog or confusion

People who are experiencing high calcium levels and anemia can often lead to brain fog and confusion, which makes it difficult to focus and concentrate on a few things. This is not normal and it can be frustrating.

Unusual bleeding and bruising

If you are experiencing any types of bleeding and bruising, then it can be due to a low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia. It can often lead to bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and easy bruising.

Swelling in the leg

If you are experiencing any types of swelling in the leg, then it could be related to kidney problems, which is a sign of multiple myeloma. Studies have shown that swelling in the legs and ankles is an early sign, especially if it doesn't get better even after taking proper rest.

How is multiple myeloma treated?

The treatment of multiple myeloma might involve performing several cancer therapies in cases with or without a stem cell transplant. A stem cell transplant might slow the cancer spread drastically, but not every treatment option is used for every multiple myeloma patient.

The treatments may include:

• Stem cell transplant: Stem cells are often known as ‘parent cells’ or ‘seed cells’ that are often developed in the bone marrow or blood, which can help to produce new blood cells including white and red blood cells, and platelets. These treatments help to replace damaged or unhealthy stem cells with healthy cells from the patient's own body.
• Chemotherapy: These treatments are used to reduce the number of abnormal plasma cells. If you are recommended to get a stem cell transplant, then you’ll need to undergo chemotherapy first.
• Targeted therapy: These treatments are designed to target certain weaknesses in the plasma cells, such as genetic mutations , to selectively destroy while minimizing the damage to healthy cells which often leads to destroying these cells.
• Radiation therapy: These treatments are often given to reduce bone tumors causing symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: These treatments help your immune system to develop more cancer-fighting cells. For example: CAR-T cell therapy is a specific type that has delivered excellent results in patients.

Consult Today

Multiple myeloma is a serious health condition, also known as a silent killer. Most of the time people dismiss or ignore common symptoms, thinking they're not that serious. Listening to your body’s slightest changes, like identifying any symptoms, can help to get an early diagnosis and better quality of life.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!