8. Fever
Since people with myeloma have lower immunity, it becomes difficult for them to fight infections. Their upper respiratory tract and lungs are usually affected. This can lead to the frequent onset of fever and other related illnesses.
Another cause of fever in multiple myeloma is inflammation. The cancer cells can produce chemicals that cause inflammation in the body, leading to fever.
7. Bruising
Multiple myeloma can cause bruising due to a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. A decrease in their number can result in easy bruising.
Individuals with multiple myeloma experience abnormal blood clotting. This makes them more prone to bruising.
6. Bleeding Easily
Bleeding easily is also another symptom of multiple myeloma. In some cases, individuals may experience heavy periods, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. This is again attributed to the decrease in platelets.
The cancer cells are causing the bone marrow from producing blood-clotting cells. When this happens, the individual ends up bleeding easily.
5. Nausea
Multiple myeloma can cause an increase in the level of calcium in the blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea.
Hypercalcemia typically occurs in the advanced stages of the disease. This condition is caused by local factors in the bone marrow that result in a significant increase in osteoclastic bone resorption, leading to an excessive release of calcium into the bloodstream.
4. Vomiting
Hypercalcemia in multiple myeloma can also cause the individual to vomit. After experiencing nausea, the individual is most likely to vomit as well.
The abnormally high level of calcium in the blood can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Vomiting can also be brought about by some kidney problems that may arise from the onset of multiple myeloma.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
One of the most common causes of weight loss in multiple myeloma is the disease itself. Since the cancer cells are affecting the body’s metabolism, there is a loss of muscle mass and fat.
Multiple myeloma can also cause an increase in energy expenditure, leading to weight loss. Another potential cause of weight loss in multiple myeloma is a loss of appetite, which can occur due to nausea, vomiting, or pain
2. Kidney Problems
Kidney problems are a common complication of multiple myeloma. One of the main causes is the production of abnormal proteins by myeloma cells. These calls can accumulate in the kidneys and damage the kidney tissue.
Another potential cause of kidney problems in multiple myeloma is the formation of kidney stones, which can obstruct the flow of urine and lead to kidney damage. Kidney stones can also be attributed to high levels of calcium or hypercalcemia.
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