What is multiple myeloma? Signs, diagnosis and when to seek help

Multiple myeloma is a condition characterised by an excessive and malignant proliferation of cells in the bone marrow. These abnormal cells deleteriously influence the normal process of formation of blood cells, thus leading to weakening bone structure. It also impairs the immune system of the body.

The risk factors for the development of this condition include increasing age and the male gender, along with a family history of plasma cell disorders. Excessive exposure to pesticides and ionising radiation may also lead to an increased risk.

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One of the most common symptoms of multiple myeloma is bone pain, and affects the spine, ribs and the pelvis. The affected person may feel that the bone pain worsens with any kind of movement. The bones also become more susceptible to fractures, and vertebral compression fractures are a typical clinical feature.

When the person has a vertebral fracture, their height becomes shorter, and the vertebral column becomes kyphotic (excessive forward curvature of the spine). If the fracture occurs in one of the long bones, mobility is impaired.

In multiple myeloma, bone resorption increases, which leads to excess calcium in the blood, known as hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia may present with nausea and constipation, along with increased frequency of urination and confusion. The individual may begin feeling lethargic and more thirsty than usual. As the bone marrow gets infiltrated by the malignantly proliferating abnormal cells, the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) is impaired, which leads to anaemia.

Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue and pallor, and breathlessness on walking or exercising. If the person has co-existing kidney problems, anaemia can worsen, as the kidneys are also involved in the synthesis of red blood cells.

The production of normal antibodies is affected in multiple myeloma, hence, the person becomes more susceptible to developing recurrent infections like pneumonia and sinusitis. Urinary tract infections are also common. The individual may sometimes experience headaches and visual disturbances as well.

Certain blood tests that measure the total protein, albumin and haemoglobin may be recommended by the healthcare provider. CT-scan and MRI can aid in identifying the skeletal fractures and spinal cord compression.

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Early recognition of this condition can aid in improving the outcome, and the prognosis depends on the age and response to therapy.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow, leading to the proliferation of abnormal cells that impact blood cell formation and weaken bones.

Risk factors include older age, male gender, a family history of plasma cell disorders, and excessive exposure to pesticides and ionising radiation.

Common symptoms include bone pain, susceptibility to fractures, vertebral compression fractures, hypercalcemia, anaemia, recurrent infections, headaches, and visual disturbances.

It increases bone resorption, making bones weaker and more prone to fractures, and can cause vertebral compression fractures leading to height reduction and kyphosis.

Hypercalcemia is an excess of calcium in the blood, which can result from increased bone resorption due to multiple myeloma. Symptoms include nausea, constipation, frequent urination, confusion, lethargy, and increased thirst.