This article offers an in-depth look at multiple myeloma, highlighting key symptoms such as bone pain, high calcium levels, and kidney issues, along with risk factors including age, genetics, and ethnicity. It helps patients and caregivers recognize early signs and understand the disease's causes, aiding in timely diagnosis and management.

Comprehensive Overview of Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer arising from abnormal plasma cell proliferation. These cancerous cells produce excessive immunoglobulins that can damage bones and circulate harmfully in the blood, increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders, allergies, and infections. It commonly leads to bone destruction called lytic lesions and manifests through the CRAB symptoms: calcium buildup, renal issues, anemia, and bone lesions.

While a cure is unavailable, treatments effectively alleviate symptoms and enhance life quality.

Signs and Symptoms

Initial indicators include high calcium levels, kidney dysfunction, anemia, and bone discomfort. Early detection through recognition of these symptoms facilitates prompt treatment.

Elevated Calcium

Bone damage releases calcium into the bloodstream, causing symptoms like excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, and digestive disturbances. High calcium levels may also result in mental confusion and fatigue.

Kidney Problems

Excess abnormal immunoglobulins can impair kidney function, leading to decreased urine output, swelling in extremities, and persistent tiredness. Kidney damage may also cause shortness of breath and nausea.

Anemia

As a blood cancer, multiple myeloma disrupts red blood cell production, leading to dizziness, weakness, and irritability. Treatments such as chemotherapy can further reduce red blood cell counts.

Bone Damage

Cancerous plasma cells invade bones, resulting in pain, fractures, and tenderness, primarily in the skull, spine, pelvis, hips, and ribs. The extent varies with disease stage.

Additional Symptoms

Weakness, numbness, visual issues, and recurrent infections may occur due to immune suppression and competition among abnormal cells.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause remains unknown; however, genetic, environmental, and internal factors play a role. Advanced age (over 65), male gender, and race—particularly higher prevalence among African Americans and individuals of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent—are significant risk factors.

Family history and prior blood conditions like MGUS increase risk. Environmental exposures such as chemicals (benzene) or radiation are also associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disease.