Guide To The Symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a malignancy that begins in plasma cells. These are a type of white blood cell. The plasma cells produce antibodies that recognize and kill germs in the body to help it fight off infection. Unfortunately, in this condition, cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out other healthy cells. Cancerous plasma cells do not produce regular antibodies. Instead, they produce abnormal proteins that do not work correctly. Almost all cases of multiple myeloma begin as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. 

Thankfully, there are a few different options for multiple myeloma treatment. Many patients often start with watchful waiting when their condition does not cause symptoms. Of course, typical cancer treatments are often including when treatment for multiple myeloma does begin. Options here include targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for cancer. Patients will often take corticosteroids for multiple myeloma, and others will need a bone marrow transplant. However, treatment starts with understanding the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Learn about them now.

Bone Pain

Bone pain is when an individual feels tenderness, aching, or another form of discomfort in their bone tissues. It is the most common symptom associated with the development of a malignancy in the bone. As multiple myeloma is most likely to affect the long bones of the arms and legs, they are also the most common site of bone pain. The bone pain from this condition may start as an ache that comes and goes when engaging in physical activity with the affected bone. 

As the disease progresses, the patient may notice their bone ache becomes more persistent when they are at rest. The painful bone may begin to swell after participation in certain physical activities. An individual with multiple myeloma who is unsure of where their pain is coming from may describe it as a deep soreness in their limb.

Uncover more symptoms linked to this condition now.