The National Cancer Institute reports that multiple myeloma is diagnosed in approximately 20,000 people each year. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that begins in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. According to the National Cancer Institute, plasma cells are part of the immune system and make antibodies that help the body destroy invading germs. However, when a plasma cell becomes cancerous, it grows uncontrollably and destroys other tissues in the body. There are many symptoms of multiple myeloma.
Bone Pain
Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports that a common symptom of multiple myeloma is bone pain. This is because cancerous plasma cells often invade bones. Pain is often felt in the back, hips, and ribs. The Mayo Clinic confirms that pain may occur in these bones, and adds that pain may also affect the skull. The National Cancer Institute adds that the growing cancer cells within the bone can weaken it, possibly resulting in fractures.
Abnormal Proteins in the Blood
According to the Mayo Clinic, myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins that are present in the blood and urine. Because normal plasma cells produce antibodies, myeloma cells (or cancerous plasma cells) also produce antibodies. Each plasma cell produces a unique type of antibody. However, because the myeloma has duplicated itself many times over, there are very high levels of one unique type of antibody in the blood or urine. The Mayo Clinic notes that this unique type of antibody is referred to as a monoclonal antibody or "M protein."
Abnormally High Calcium
The Mayo Clinic reports that another symptom of multiple myeloma is high levels of calcium in the blood. This is due to destruction of bone where the myeloma cells have invaded. As a result of this destruction, the calcium from the bone dissolves into the blood, increasing calcium levels.
Other Symptoms
The National Cancer Institute reports that multiple myeloma may cause other general symptoms affecting the body as a whole. These symptoms include: fatigue; increased thirst; increased need to urinate; increased incidence of fevers and infections; unintended weight loss; and constipation or nausea.
