We all know that cancer is a terrible disease, but did you know that there are more than 200 different types of cancer? And within those 200 types, there are even more individual variations. So trying to understand and diagnose cancer can be immensely complex. Myeloma, or multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Here are some of the telltale symptoms of myeloma and how it is diagnosed and treated:
1. Nausea
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells produce antibodies, which help the body fight infection. When myeloma develops, it causes the plasma cells to produce abnormal antibodies. These abnormal antibodies can build up in the bloodstream and cause various symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of myeloma is nausea. It can be caused by abnormal antibodies interfering with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It can also be caused by cancer pressing on the stomach or other organs.
2. Weight loss
Loss of weight and appetite are also common symptoms of myeloma. Weight loss because of the abnormal antibodies produced by cancer can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Additionally, cancer cells require a lot of energy to grow, so they compete with the body’s healthy cells for energy. This can lead to weight loss and fatigue.
3. Constipation
Another key symptom of myeloma is constipation. It manifests via lower bowel movements or hard stools. Myeloma can make one constipated for a few reasons. One is that the cancerous plasma cells can crowd out the healthy cells in the intestine, leading to obstruction. Additionally, myeloma can interfere with the nerve signals that control bowel movements.
4. Loss of appetite
Appetite loss is another symptom that can be caused by myeloma. It can happen for a few reasons. First, the abnormal antibodies produced by myeloma can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Likewise, cancer cells require a lot of energy to grow, competing with the body’s healthy cells for energy. This can lead to decreased appetite. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can make patients nauseous and vomit, leading to loss of appetite.
5. Swelling in the legs
When your legs swell, it could be a sign of myeloma. It happens when the cancerous plasma cells interfere with the kidney’s ability to remove excess fluid from the body. The fluid then builds up in the legs and causes swelling. Additionally, the abnormal antibodies produced by myeloma can damage the valves in the veins, which can also lead to swelling in the legs.
6. Weakness or loss of feeling in the legs
Another symptom of myeloma is weakness or feeling loss in your legs. This can happen when the cancerous plasma cells crowd out the healthy cells in the bone marrow. This can decrease the production of healthy red blood cells, which can cause anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and loss of feeling in the legs.
7. Increased thirst
Being thirsty all the time can also be a sign of myeloma. It happens when the cancerous plasma cells interfere with the kidney’s ability to remove excess fluid from the body. The fluid then builds up in the bloodstream and causes an increase in thirst.
8. Frequent urination
Lastly, one tends to urinate a lot when they have myeloma. This is due to the interference of the cancerous plasma cells with the kidney’s ability to remove excess fluid from the body. The fluid then builds up in the bloodstream and causes an increase in urination.
Overall, these are some of the key symptoms of myeloma. You must see a doctor immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Treatment options for myeloma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. With proper treatment, many people with myeloma can lead long and healthy lives.
