Multiple Myeloma Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that directly affects plasma cells and your body’s ability to produce antibodies. Antibodies are a key component of our immune system. They help neutralize pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. As you can imagine, symptoms of multiple myeloma center on our immune system and its ability to fight infections.
Regular blood tests and checkups can help detect the early stages of multiple myeloma. If you're diagnosed, medications such as Ninlaro can be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Ninlaro works by inhibiting the proteasome, a cellular structure responsible for breaking down proteins. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells accumulate and produce excessive proteins, leading to tumor growth and bone damage. By targeting the proteasome, Ninlaro interferes with this process, effectively slowing down the cancer's progression.
To help give you a better understanding of multiple myeloma symptoms, we're going to discuss some common symptoms to watch out for.
1. Aching Bones
Sore and aching bones is one of the most common symptoms of plasma cell myeloma. Approximately 70% of sufferers will experience aching bones.
These aches and pains are usually centered on your ribs, spine and hips. The pain will be frequent – almost like a persistent dull ache.
Any movement will usually increase this pain and cause discomfort. This bone pain is due to the secretion of substances within your bones that impair the standard growth and repair processes.
Supplements for joint pain may help alleviate this symptom, but speak to your doctor first.
2. Increased Susceptibility to Fractures and Breakages
As a result of the aforementioned secretion into your bones, multiple myeloma can also increase your likelihood of fractures and breakages. As the repair and growth process is disrupted, your bones will become weak.
In some cases, breakages and fractures can be avoided, but it all depends on your lifestyle and how active you are. In other cases, however, multiple myeloma can cause compression, and eventual collapse of the spinal cord.
If you experience a succession of fractures or breakages that haven't resulted from a serious accident, you should seek further medical testing.
3. Anemia
Anemia is caused due to a lack of red blood cells in your system. If you are anemic, it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Multiple myeloma, however, can decrease your red blood cell count.
As the cancer develops, your body may struggle to produce both red and white blood cells, which may cause you to become anemic. Anemia will cause tiredness and breathlessness, and you may feel weak and lack energy.
4. Increased Infections
If you have a healthy, strong immune system, you can easily fight off infections and illnesses, and the rate at which you contract ailments would be low. If you start to contract more infections or common illnesses, it could be a sign of multiple myeloma.
This form of cancer directly affects our immune system; it prompts the production of ineffective antibodies which hinder the standard function of our immune system. An ineffective immune system will obviously reduce your ability to fight off infections and diseases.
It is stated that those suffering from multiple myeloma are 15 times more likely to contract an infection.
5. Increase Calcium Levels in Your Blood
Another major symptom of multiple myeloma that can cause a myriad of other effects is increased calcium levels in your bloodstream. Multiple myeloma triggers an increased release of calcium into your bones. Calcium is required to strengthen bones and aid in their repair, but too much can have an adverse effect.
The following are some of the main symptoms of hypercalcemia (increase calcium levels):
- Sickness.
- Stomach pains.
- Constipation.
- Drowsiness.
- Frequent need to urinate.
- Extreme thirst.
Hypercalcemia is not something that should be ignored. In most cases, this is not something that will occur naturally through dieting. It is usually a result of other health complications.
6. Kidney Complications
Multiple myeloma causes an increased level of calcium in the blood as stated above. It also causes an increase of M protein. As a result, your kidneys will begin to overwork, and their function can become impaired. In severe cases, your kidneys may fail completely, which would result in the need for a transplant.
Signs of kidney impairment can include a reduction in the frequency of urination, and back pain around the locale of your kidneys. Moreover, your appetite may decrease, and you may develop swollen ankles. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Kidney impairment is not something that should be ignored regardless of whether or not it relates to cancer.