Key Symptoms and Treatment Options Explained
Myeloma is a type of cancer that begins in the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. When the body makes too many abnormal plasma cells, it can harm the bones, weaken the immune system and cause other problems. It is important to know the early signs of myeloma so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. In this article, we look at ten common signs of myeloma and discuss treatment options.
10 Common Signs of Myeloma
1. Bone Pain
Bone pain is one of the most common signs of myeloma. The abnormal plasma cells can cause damage to your bones, making them weak and painful. You might feel pain in your back, ribs or other areas of your skeleton. Sometimes the pain is worse during physical activity or when lying down.
2. Fatigue
Feeling very tired, or fatigue, is another common sign. When there are too many abnormal cells in your body, they can crowd out the normal cells that make red blood cells. Fewer red blood cells mean less oxygen gets to your organs, and you may feel tired or weak all the time.
3. Weakness or Tingling in Arms and Legs
Sometimes people feel weakness or a tingling sensation in their arms or legs. This might happen because myeloma can affect the nerves. The pressure from a growth in the bones might cause the nerves to send signals slowly or not at all.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Some people with myeloma may experience nausea or even vomiting. This happens because the body’s chemistry can change when there is too much abnormal protein in the blood. The kidneys might not work as well as they should, which can affect digestion.
5. Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is another sign that can occur. Myeloma sometimes makes people feel full quickly or less interested in eating. This decrease in appetite can lead to malnutrition or a lack of energy.
6. Feeling Very Thirsty
Unusual thirst, or feeling very thirsty, can happen if your body is trying to manage extra waste products. Myeloma can sometimes affect the kidneys and, as the kidneys work hard to filter your blood, they may not work as well. The body then tries to get rid of waste by pulling water, causing you to feel very thirsty all the time.
7. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without a clear reason is a sign that something might be wrong. For people with myeloma, cancer cells can take energy from the body. When these cells use up more energy, you may start losing weight even though you are eating normally.
8. Bruising Easily
Another warning sign is bruising easily. When your body has too many abnormal plasma cells, it might not make platelets, which is the part of your blood that stops bleeding properly. Without enough platelets, small bumps or hits can lead to larger bruises.
9. Confusion
Confusion can sometimes happen with myeloma. Changes in blood sugar levels or the buildup of toxins in the body can affect how your brain works. When confusion sets in, you might feel light-headed, disoriented or have trouble following conversations.
10. Frequent Infections
Frequent infections, whether they are colds, pneumonia or skin infections, can be a sign of myeloma. Since the abnormal plasma cells do not function correctly, your body has a harder time fighting off germs.
Treatment Options for Myeloma
There are several treatment options available for myeloma. The choices depend on the stage of the disease and the overall condition of the patient. Here are some of the main treatments for myeloma.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses special drugs to kill cancer cells. In myeloma, chemotherapy helps to stop the growth of abnormal plasma cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body’s own defense system to fight cancer. This treatment boosts your immune system so that it can better recognize and attack the abnormal cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another treatment option. This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. Radiation is often used to relieve pain caused by bone damage in myeloma.
Stem Cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant is a procedure that uses healthy stem cells to replace those damaged by myeloma or its treatment. In this process, doctors give high doses of chemotherapy to destroy the abnormal cells and then use a stem cell transplant to help the body rebuild its blood and immune cells.
Final Notes
Understanding the signs of myeloma and the treatment options available is important for anyone who might be at risk or who has recently been diagnosed. Always remember to talk with your health care provider if you notice any of these signs or if you have any worries about your health.
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