Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsRelapse SymptomsComplicationsRare SymptomsWhen It’s an EmergencyFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Multiple Myeloma GuideCauses and Risk Factors of Multiple Myeloma
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Relapse Symptoms
Complications
Rare Symptoms
When It’s an Emergency
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Multiple Myeloma Guide
Common symptoms ofmultiple myelomamay include bone pain (in the back or ribs), fever, extreme weakness, and fatigue.A diagnosis of any type of cancer can be overwhelming, but learning about the signs, symptoms, and complications can help people with myeloma know what to expect.
The specific symptoms ofmultiple myeloma, including the age of onset and the rate of its progression, vary from person to person. Some people do not have symptoms at all in the early stage of the disease. This is referred to as being asymptomatic. The disease may start out as asymptomatic, then begin to suddenly cause serious complications, some of which may even be life-threatening. Usually, people with myeloma do not have every possible symptom. However, common symptoms may include:
As the disease progresses, serious health problems such as bone destruction, anemia, and kidney failure commonly occur.
The most common symptom of multiple myeloma is bone pain, usually experienced in the lower back and ribs.
Underlying Causes of Common Symptoms
Debilitating bone pain:Bone tumors can press up against a nerve from the accumulation of myeloma cells, or fromosteolytic lesions, which are painful and can result in bone fractures.
Osteolytic Lesions Due to Cancer
Bone destruction:Plasma cell tumors cause loss of bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis) and weaken bones; the bones of the spine oftentimes become involved, causing the collapse of the vertebrae. This can lead to spinal cord compression, severe back pain, and numbing and weakness of arms and legs. Damage to bones can also result in a condition calledhypercalcemia(increased blood calcium levels), which may cause symptoms of nausea, lack of appetite, abdominal and muscle pain, weakness, excessive thirst, and confusion.
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) During Cancer Treatment
Oftentimes people with multiple myeloma will experience what’s called a remission. This means that the treatment (chemotherapy or other treatment) has stopped the progression of the disease. During a remission from myeloma, lab tests no longer show any signs of the disease. If myeloma symptoms (including positive lab results) return, this is referred to as a relapse.
Although no symptoms are present during a remission, there are still a few abnormal myeloma cells that remain in the body, but too few for diagnostic tests to identify. These remaining myeloma cells can become active and begin to multiply—which is what many people with multiple myeloma experience as relapse. During a relapse, the same symptoms that originally occurred may come back, or a person may experience different symptoms. People in remission from multiple myeloma can be symptom-free for months or even years.
Symptoms of myeloma relapse may include:
It’s important for people with myeloma to consult with their healthcare provider if any of these symptoms (or any other unusual symptoms) occur.
Complications from multiple myeloma usually result from the buildup of abnormal proteins in the body, the disease’s impact on bone marrow (such as a decrease in normal blood count), and bone tumors or the destruction of normal bone tissue. Complications may include:
Rare complications that some people who have myeloma experience may include the following.
Hepatomegaly or splenomegaly—An enlarged liver or spleen. Symptoms may include:
In some cases, cryoglobulinemia does not cause any symptoms.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
A person with multiple myelomashould seek emergency medical care any time there is an unexpected change in symptoms, such as:
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are a lot of diagnostic tools used todiagnosemultiple myeloma. Blood tests will measure levels of white blood cells, calcium, biomarkers, and blood viscosity. Various imaging tests, such as a skeletal survey, PET/CT, MRI, and echocardiography, will be used to look for tumors and other signs of cancer. A bone marrow biopsy can confirm that cancerous cells are present.Multiple myeloma is not very common. The lifetime risk of getting this type of cancer is approximately 0.76% in the U.S.The five-year relative survival rate for localized myeloma, meaning that there is only one tumor growing in or outside of the bone, is 75%. The five-year survival rate for distant metastases, where there are many tumors, is 53%.
There are a lot of diagnostic tools used todiagnosemultiple myeloma. Blood tests will measure levels of white blood cells, calcium, biomarkers, and blood viscosity. Various imaging tests, such as a skeletal survey, PET/CT, MRI, and echocardiography, will be used to look for tumors and other signs of cancer. A bone marrow biopsy can confirm that cancerous cells are present.
Multiple myeloma is not very common. The lifetime risk of getting this type of cancer is approximately 0.76% in the U.S.
The five-year relative survival rate for localized myeloma, meaning that there is only one tumor growing in or outside of the bone, is 75%. The five-year survival rate for distant metastases, where there are many tumors, is 53%.
What Causes Multiple Myeloma?
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Multiple myeloma.
Cancer.net.High Calcium Levels or Hypercalcemia.
American Cancer Society.Tests for multiple myeloma.
Bladé J, Rosiñol L.Complications of multiple myeloma.Hematol Oncol Clin North Am.2007;21(6):1231-46, xi. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2007.08.006
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for multiple myeloma.
Mayo Clinic.Amyloidosis.Merck Manual.Multiple myeloma (myelomatosis; plasma cell myeloma).National Organization for Rare Diseases.Multiple myeloma.
Mayo Clinic.Amyloidosis.
Merck Manual.Multiple myeloma (myelomatosis; plasma cell myeloma).
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Multiple myeloma.
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