Multiple myeloma, also referred to as plasma cell myeloma, is a type of cancer that affects blood cells, particularly white blood cells, which generally produces antibodies. At the early stages, the condition rarely shows any noticeable symptoms. As it progress, back pains, anemia, frequent infections, and easy bleeding may be experienced. If left untreated, the condition may lead to a complication known as amyloidosis. The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown.

However, risk factors of multiple myeloma include obesity, genes, and exposure to radiation and chemicals. Multiple myeloma is considered treatable, but not curable. Remissions may be brought about through chemotherapy, the use of steroids, targeted therapy, and stem transplant. To reduce bone pain, bisphosphonates, and radiation therapy are recommended. Multiple myeloma is a prevalent condition in America, affecting approximately 6.5 per 100,000 people annually, and about 0.7 percent of people are affected throughout their lifetime. So what are the early warning signs of multiple myeloma?

1. No symptoms

It is not easy to detect the signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma. During the early phase of cancer, you will likely experience no symptoms. As the disease advances, symptoms vary greatly, and one person’s experience may be different from the other person. Knowing the most common signs of multiple myeloma may help you detect it early enough before it progresses to severe stages. Visit your health doctor if you notice any of the following warning sign.

2. Fatigue

When the body cells are healthy, they actively help the body to fight against invading infection quickly. As the myeloma cancer cells overcrowd in the bone marrow, the number of healthy cells are outnumbered, and your body needs to work extra harder with the few disease-fighting cells. As a result, you will likely feel more tired easily.

3. Low blood count
When abnormal myeloma cells overcrowd healthy cells, they may lead to low blood count as well as lower the number of white blood cells. When the body suffers low blood count, it becomes harder for it to fight against infections.

4. Bone problems

Multiple myeloma may limit the ability of the body from making new bone cells a condition that is likely to cause osteoporosis and bone pain.

5. Frequent infections
When the body has decreased antibodies, it becomes susceptible to disease.

6. Kidney problems

Multiple myeloma usually produces harmful proteins, which may damage the optimum functioning of the kidney or even cause permanent kidney failure.

7. Other common symptoms

Other common symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

• Nausea

• Increased thirst

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Frequent urination

• Pain, especially in the back

• Swelling in your legs

• Fatigue

8. Complications of multiple myeloma

When multiple myeloma is left untreated, it advances to cause complications such as:

Reduced kidney functioning – multiple myeloma produces harmful antibody cells known as M proteins. These proteins can easily damage kidney functions, trigger problems to the kidney, and eventually, it can lead to kidney failure. Also, damaged and eroded bones may increase the calcium level in your blood. These high calcium level can interfere with your kidneys ability to filter:

• Anemia: Abnormal cancer cells will overcrowd and replace healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, which can lead to anemia and other blood infections.

• Bone problems: The most common complications of multiple myeloma include osteoporosis and bone pain.

• Susceptibility to infections: As the myeloma cancer cells overcrowd healthy plasma cells, your body becomes weak to fight against diseases.