Multiple myeloma can have a variety of indicators. Many signs and symptoms may develop from the reduction of normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets caused by the disease. Anemia, a common sign of blood cancers, causes the body to get insufficient oxygen and nutrients. As a result, an anemic person will often experience fatigue, headaches, weakness and shortness of breath.

The decrease in the amount of normal white blood cells weakens the patient’s defense against infection. As a result, recurrent infection may be a sign of the disease. People with multiple myeloma are 15 times more likely to develop an infection. Pneumonia is the most common and serious of these infections. Others include urinary tract infections and shingles.

Thrombocytopenia (an abnormally low amount of platelets) can lower a patient’s ability to repair holes in damaged blood vessels. Signs of thrombocytopenia include easy bruising and excessive bleeding.

Myeloma can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure.  Signs and symptoms of kidney failure include weakness and swelling in the legs. In some cases, myeloma can cause large amounts of calcium to be released into the blood. Known as hypercalcemia, this disorder can cause kidney failure. Signs and symptoms of high blood calcium include:

• Dry mouth and excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Loss of appetite
• Digestive problems, including constipation, nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Mental confusion
• Restlessness

The disease can also cause bone damage and weakening of the bones. This can result in significant bone pain and unexplained bone fractures in patients. In addition, multiple myeloma can cause spinal bones to weaken and collapse, possibly putting pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When these bones compress these areas a variety of signs and symptoms may occur, including severe pain, numbness and muscle weakness.

Multiple myeloma can cause the blood to thicken. Known as hyperviscosity, this condition can also cause slow circulation to the brain, resulting in:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Stroke-like symptoms

Patients experiencing signs and symptoms of nerve compression or hyperviscosity or hypercalcemia should contact their physician immediately. These conditions are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment.

Amyloidosis is a rare complication of multiple myeloma. In this condition, proteins are deposited in various tissues and organs, impairing their function. Common signs and symptoms of amyloidosis include:

• Numbness in the hands and feet
• Weak hand grip
• Swelling of the extremities
• Difficulty swallowing

Another possible complication of multiple myeloma is cryoglobulinemia. In this condition, abnormal proteins in the bloodstream thicken when exposed to cold temperatures. Signs and symptoms of cryoglobulinemia include pain or numbness in the fingers and toes in cold weather.

Many patients may not experience symptoms of myeloma until after the disease has reached an advanced stage. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed during a routine blood test. The discovery of abnormal antibodies in the blood may be a sign of multiple myeloma because protein can be produced by myeloma cells.

In other patients symptoms may be overlooked because they resemble symptoms of more common illnesses. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when they experience any symptom of myeloma. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier treatment may begin.