blood disorders
Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Because plasma cell tumors often invade bone, bone pain, often in the back, ribs, and hips, may occur. Other symptoms result from the complications. Fractures may occur if plasma cell tumors cause loss of bone density ( Osteoporosis ) and weaken bones. In addition, calcium released from the bones may result in abnormally Hypercalcemia (High Level of Calcium in the Blood) in the blood, possibly causing constipation, increased frequency of urination, kidney problems, weakness, and confusion. The reduced production of red blood cells often leads to Overview of Anemia , which causes fatigue, weakness, and paleness (pallor) and may lead to heart problems. Decreased production of white blood cells leads to repeated infections, which may cause fever and chills. Decreased platelet production impairs the blood's ability to clot and results in easy bruising or bleeding. Pieces of monoclonal antibodies, known as light chains, frequently end up in the collecting system of the kidneys, sometimes permanently damaging them by interfering with their filtering function and leading to Overview of Kidney Failure . The light chain pieces of the antibody in the urine (or blood) are called Bence Jones proteins. The increased number of growing cancerous cells can lead to the overproduction and excretion of uric acid in the urine, which can lead to kidney stones. Deposits of certain types of antibody pieces in the kidneys or other organs can lead to In rare instances, multiple myeloma interferes with blood flow to the skin, fingers, toes, nose, kidneys, and brain because the blood thickens ( Symptoms ). 