Myeloma – Signs & Symptoms
Multiple myeloma may initially go undetected, but the following are some common signs and symptoms:
- Anemia, which may be the result of myeloma cells crowding out healthy red blood cells
- Bone pain, typically in the back and ribs, but possible in any part of the body
- Bones that fracture easily
- Hypercalcemia, a high calcium level in the blood, due to bone breakdown, which can cause fatigue and kidney damage
- An increase in upper respiratory and lung infections
- Frequent nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bruising more easily, and cloudy vision resulting from a low platelet count
- Numbness, weakness, or pain due to collapsed vertebrae or a pinched spinal nerve that is not the result of blunt trauma
- Excessive and lingering exhaustion
- Frequent and unexplained fevers
- Weight loss, excessive thirst, nausea, or mental confusion that can be related to kidney damage or other imbalances
Individual symptoms may not be enough to indicate multiple myeloma, but any atypical experiences that continue for more than a few days should be discussed with your doctor.
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