Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer – the risk of developing this cancer is just 0.76 percent. But that doesn’t mean this is a type of cancer that can be ignored. Multiple myeloma attacks the plasma in your blood, meaning it can affect the entire body. And that’s why it’s so important to learn the signs and symptoms of this cancer with an online search.
It can be difficult to notice early symptoms of multiple myeloma. But there are certain signs that can help you detect this cancer in its early stages. And you can search online to learn more about how multiple myeloma first begins to appear.
The following are six early symptoms that can come with multiple myeloma.
1. Low Blood Counts
If you have low blood counts of any kind – low red blood cells, low white blood cells, or low blood platelets – you might be experiencing multiple myeloma. This cancer commonly causes important blood cells to decrease in number.
When multiple myeloma forms in the body, it replaces your normal blood-forming cells with malignant (or cancerous) cells. That can directly result in a number of conditions connected to low blood counts, like anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.
Look for symptoms like weakness, difficulty breathing, or serious bleeding from simple cuts and scrapes. These can be signs of a condition that’s tied to a low blood count.
2. High Calcium Levels
Usually, a lot of calcium is a good thing. However, if you have high levels of calcium in your blood, you might be experiencing a symptom of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma can dissolve bone tissue, which causes calcium to be released into your bloodstream. That can result in hypercalcemia, or a very high level of calcium in the blood. This can be detected with a blood test or via certain symptoms and changes to your health.
Look for symptoms like the following, which can be an indicator of too much calcium:
- Extreme thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Dehydration.
- Kidney problems or kidney failure.
- Severe constipation.
- Abdominal pain.
- A loss of appetite.
- Feelings of weakness.
- Drowsiness or fatigue.
- Confusion.
3. Kidney Problems
Kidney problems can accompany multiple myeloma, causing serious problems for your health. And, like multiple myeloma, these kidney problems can present symptoms later as they progress, leaving you unaware of what’s happening.
As multiple myeloma attacks the body, it can damage the kidneys. The first way this is usually detected is through a blood or urine test conducted by your doctor. If left untreated, multiple myeloma can lead to kidney failure. That can bring on symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath, swollen legs, and an inability to get rid of waste.
4. Bone Pain
As multiple myeloma breaks down and destroys bones, bone pain can be a common symptom. You might experience aches and pain in your bones, or you might have increased bone weakness that leads to fractures and broken bones – even if you just have a minor injury.
This symptom of multiple myeloma often starts with bone pain in the back, hips, and rib cage.
5. Issues Within the Nervous System
Multiple myeloma can also lead to a number of different nervous system problems. As this cancer weakens your bones, those bones can begin to collapse or press onto different parts of your nervous system, like your spine or nerves. This can leads to issues like spinal compression, nerve damage,
It might be difficult to determine if you’re experiencing nervous system issues. Look for symptoms like:
- Sudden and severe back pain.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Muscle weakness, particularly in the legs.
- A pins-and-needles feeling in your legs or feet.
- Dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Stroke-like symptoms, such as drooping on the face or weakness and numbness in one arm.
Notify your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. It’s critical that you don’t let potential nervous system issues go unchecked and untreated.
6. Hyperviscosity
Because multiple myeloma can release additional protein into the bloodstream, it can cause hyperviscosity. That’s a thickening of the blood, which is dangerous because thicker blood can slow down blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms and signs of hyperviscosity can include:
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Stroke-like symptoms, such as slurred speech and weakness on one side of the body.
These six symptoms can be difficult to detect, particularly because so many of them happen inside the body. But they can be detected. You just need to pay close attention to any changes to your health. You can also see your doctor for checkups to assess your blood levels, conduct kidney health testing, and more.
Make sure to stay informed about multiple myeloma. Although this cancer is rare, it can be very deadly. Finding and diagnosing this cancer in its early stages can help lead to a better prognosis and a more positive future for your health.