Although multiple myeloma primarily attacks the bones, its effects on bone marrow and the immune system can cause a wide variety of symptoms throughout the body. In many people, multiple myeloma can lead to dangerous complications involving the kidneys.

Early symptoms of multiple myeloma can include back pain, bone pain, fatigue, nausea, or severe infection. Other people with myeloma may not notice that anything is wrong until they experience problems with bone fractures or renal (kidney) function. Early-stage myeloma that doesn’t cause symptoms is known as smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). SMM may be detected during blood tests for unrelated health issues.

Not everyone with multiple myeloma will experience every possible myeloma symptom. What symptoms someone experiences may depend on what type of myeloma (or related condition) they have. Many symptoms of myeloma can be managed with effective treatment.

It can be difficult to distinguish between symptoms of myeloma and side effects of its treatment. If you experience new or worsening symptoms after beginning a new treatment, inform your health care provider as soon as possible.

1. Pain

In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) build up in the bones, causing tumors, inflicting damage, and leading to bone pain. Pain in the back, skull, hips, and ribs is common in those with myeloma. Myeloma lesions (tumors) also weaken bone and can lead to fractures. Broken bones often take longer to heal in people with myeloma, so fractures hurt for longer. Some types of fractures, including hip fractures, often lead to chronic pain. Bone lesions in the vertebrae (bones in the spine) can cause the spine to collapse, compressing the spinal cord and causing nerve pain. This is called spinal cord compression.

Learn more about bone lesions, damage, and pain with myeloma.

2. Posture Changes and Loss of Mobility

Fractures in the vertebrae can cause the spine to collapse, resulting in changes to posture. Advanced myeloma can cause a pronounced stoop and a loss of height. People with bone lesions in the hips may lose mobility as it becomes painful to walk.

3. Kidney Damage

In myeloma, kidney damage can be caused by high calcium levels and large quantities of abnormal proteins. Normal plasma cells secrete antibodies — proteins that protect against infection. Myeloma cells make antibodies that are abnormal and ineffective, called M protein.

More than 50 percent of people with multiple myeloma experience problems with kidney function. About 10 percent of people with multiple myeloma develop kidney failure severe enough to require kidney replacement therapy, such as dialysis. Symptoms of kidney problems include intense thirst, weakness, abdominal pain, and an increase or decrease in urination.

4. Frequent Infections

Multiple myeloma compromises the immune system by reducing the number of healthy white blood cells that fight infection. Myeloma treatments can further reduce levels of effective white blood cells and suppress the immune system in other ways. People with myeloma are vulnerable to infections by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that would be easily fended off by those with healthy immune systems. Common colds and the flu can be more severe in those with myeloma.

5. Blood Clots and Abnormal Bleeding

Platelets are fragments of blood cells that play a major role in forming blood clots. In some people with myeloma, damage to bone marrow lowers the number of platelets (called “thrombocytopenia”). This uncommonly leads to abnormal bleeding — nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, and bruising easily.

Learn how to lower your risk of blood clots with myeloma.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

According to a report in American Family Physician, nearly 3 out of 4 people with multiple myeloma develop anemia (low red blood cell count) as cancer cells crowd the bone marrow where red blood cells are produced. Some myeloma treatments — such as melphalan (Alkeran) — further damage the bone marrow, worsening anemia. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, which is needed by the body to produce energy. In people with anemia, fatigue can be severe. Anemia may also lead to dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

As multiple myeloma destroys bone, large amounts of calcium are released into the bloodstream. “Hypercalcemia” is the term for higher-than-normal levels of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia can cause muscle weakness and drowsiness.

Learn about managing fatigue with multiple myeloma.

7. Neurological Problems

Some people with myeloma experience cognitive symptoms, such as memory problems, trouble concentrating, slurring of words, and getting lost in familiar places. Neurological symptoms may be caused by chemotherapy, known as “chemo brain” or “cog fog.” Cognitive issues can also be caused directly by myeloma, as a result of high levels of calcium or abnormal proteins in the blood that interfere with blood flow in the brain. In some cases, people with myeloma may experience seizures or weakness on one side of the body.

8. Neuropathy

Myeloma treatments can damage nerves, leading to neuropathy — pain, tingling, burning, or numbness, often in the extremities. Neuropathy caused by chemotherapy or other myeloma treatments may persist for months after treatment ends. In some people, it is permanent. Neuropathy is not usually a symptom of myeloma itself but, rather, a side effect of treatment.

9. Gastrointestinal Issues

Hypercalcemia and dehydration can lead to constipation. Kidney damage may cause dehydration and constipation. Many myeloma treatments cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Some treatments can cause sores in the mouth. The authors of the American Family Physician article wrote that in around 1 out of 4 people with myeloma, gastrointestinal symptoms and side effects may result in weight loss. Other medications, such as corticosteroids, may cause weight gain.

Learn more about managing constipation with myeloma.

10. Hyperviscosity Syndrome

Very rarely, myeloma can cause hyperviscosity syndrome, a condition in which the blood is too thick. This may lead to bleeding problems, tiredness, headaches, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

11. Skin Symptoms

Myeloma treatments can cause skin problems, such as rashes, itching, blisters, bruising around the eyes, and changes in skin color or texture. Some chemotherapy medications can damage the skin at the site where they are injected.

12. Swelling

Edema (swelling) in the face, ankles, legs, and abdomen is a possible symptom of kidney disease. As myeloma progresses, abnormal proteins and high levels of calcium in the blood can impair kidney function, leading to fluid retention. This can cause noticeable swelling in areas such as the face, ankles, legs, and abdomen. Managing edema may involve addressing the underlying kidney issues, modifying fluid intake, and sometimes using medications to reduce fluid retention.

13. Mood and Mental Health Changes

Living with multiple myeloma can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety and depression, which are common among people with chronic illnesses. The stress of managing a serious health condition, the impact of symptoms like pain and fatigue, and the side effects of treatment can all contribute to mental health struggles. It is important for people with myeloma to seek support for their mental well-being, whether through counseling, support groups, or other resources.

Find Your Team

MyMyelomaTeam is the social network for people with myeloma. On MyMyelomaTeam, more than 25,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with myeloma.

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