According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), multiple myeloma is the most common primary bone cancer, which occurs in four out of every 100,000 people in the United States each year. No known risk factors are inherited, but patients exposed to ionizing radiation, pesticides, or have a history of HIV or human herpes may be at increased risk of developing multiple myeloma, states the AAOS. A patient with this condition should be aware of the long-term side effects.
Weight Loss
A patient with multiple myeloma may experience weight loss over the long term, states the AAOS. This occurs because cancer needs energy to grow and spread throughout the body. Cancer gets the energy it needs from the host, which results in weight loss in the host. Weight loss is not common in the early stages but progresses as multiple myeloma progresses. Thus, a patient will notice weight loss without changes in dieting or exercise habits. Unexplained weight loss should always be a concern to a patient, and he should not hesitate to seek medical evaluation.
Fractures
According to MayoClinic.com, multiple myeloma can cause bone fractures over the long term. The AAOS states that fractures are caused by tumors and occur frequently. In fact, thirty30 percent of patients will have a fracture before multiple myeloma is diagnosed. This occurs because multiple myeloma tumors grow on bone and can cause bones to become weak and brittle, particularly in the spine, ribs and pelvis. In the spine, fractures can cause back pain, limited mobility and spine shortening. Pelvis fractures can make walking difficult, and rib fractures may make breathing difficult over the long term. Thus, patients experiencing bone pain without trauma should not hesitate to seek medical treatment.
Fatigue
Multiple myeloma can cause fatigue over time, states the AAOS. Multiple myeloma also affects the blood cells, which can result in anemia, or a blood cell deficiency. Because blood cells provide the body with energy in the form of oxygen and nutrients, a lack of blood cells can cause feelings of fatigue. Thus, a patient will notice excessive tiredness throughout the day, difficulty concentrating and difficulty waking up in the morning. Furthermore, multiple myeloma causes a breakdown in bone, which results in high calcium levels. According to the AAOS, high calcium levels can contribute to fatigue, in addition to anemia. Thus, a patient experiencing fatigue should not hesitate to seek medical treatment.
