What are the signs, symptoms, and causes of multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and causes of multiple myeloma can help with early detection and treatment. Here's an overview:

Signs and Symptoms

1. Bone Pain:

   • Especially in the back, ribs, and hips.
   • Often caused by the growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow.

2. Frequent Infections:

   • Due to weakened immune system from decreased normal white blood cell production.

3. Fatigue:

   • Anemia (low red blood cell count) is common, leading to persistent tiredness.

4. Hypercalcemia:

   • High levels of calcium in the blood due to bone breakdown, causing nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, and confusion.

5. Kidney Problems:

   • Kidney damage can occur due to excess protein production by myeloma cells, leading to symptoms like swelling in legs, weakness, and shortness of breath.

6. Neurological Symptoms:

   • Numbness, weakness, or tingling, particularly in the legs, due to spinal cord compression or nerve damage.

7. Weight Loss:

   • Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom.

8. Easy Bruising and Bleeding:

   • Due to low platelet counts.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but several factors can increase the risk:

1. Age:

   • Most common in people over 65 years old.

2. Gender:

   • More common in men than in women.

3. Race:

   • More common in African Americans compared to other races.

4. Family History:

   • Having a sibling or parent with multiple myeloma increases risk.

5. Personal History:

   • Having a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition where an abnormal protein is found in the blood.

6. Radiation Exposure:

   • Exposure to high levels of radiation can increase risk.

7. Chemical Exposure:

   • Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in rubber manufacturing, woodworking, and the petroleum industry, can increase risk.

8. Obesity:

   • Being overweight or obese may increase the risk.

Pathophysiology

• Plasma Cells: In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) accumulate in the bone marrow, outnumbering healthy blood cells.

• Protein Production: These myeloma cells produce abnormal antibodies (monoclonal proteins or M proteins) that can cause various symptoms and complications.

• Bone Damage: The accumulation of myeloma cells can lead to bone lesions and osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Blood Tests:

   • Looking for abnormal levels of proteins and other markers.

2. Urine Tests:

   • Checking for the presence of Bence Jones protein, an abnormal antibody.

3. Bone Marrow Examination:

   • Biopsy to check for myeloma cells.

4. Imaging Tests:

• X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans to detect bone damage and tumors.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing multiple myeloma and improving quality of life. If you suspect any symptoms or have risk factors, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and evaluation.