The white blood cells (WBC) are the body’s defense against infections and diseases. Inside every white blood cell are plasma cells that make antibodies that fight germs and illnesses. Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that affects these plasma cells by producing abnormal proteins. Obesity, gender, older age (most patients are 45-years or older), inherited genes, radiation exposure, and long term chemical exposure can increase the risk of developing this cancer. Here are some of the early warning signs of multiple myeloma:
1. Nausea
Multiple myeloma causes damage to bones, leading to calcium release into the bloodstream. Elevated calcium levels in the blood make one get nauseated. Another cause of nauseousness is kidney problems aggravated by this cancer.
2. Weight loss
Weight reduction is a common early sign in cancer patients due to changes in hormones and metabolism. Multiple myeloma patients experience cachexia, which tells the body to burn fats and muscles. Undernutrition, coupled with appetite loss, also leads to significant weight reduction.
3. Constipation
Hypercalcemia makes it hard for the body to get rid of stool, causing dyschezia. Appetite loss and poor eating habits lead to a lack of essential fibers contributing to this condition. Kidney issues, dehydration, and inactivity of the body associated with myeloma lead to constipation.
4. Loss of appetite
The cancer cells in multiple myeloma create a full stomach feeling despite eating nothing. Alterations in hormones make patients lose their appetite and create an illusion of a full stomach. The nauseous feeling and frequent vomiting also contribute to anorexia.
5. Weakness or loss of feeling in your legs
Body weakness results from appetite loss and significant weight reduction as muscle cells waste away. Loss of taste, difficulty chewing food, and vomiting weaken the body. Myeloma cells affect the nervous system causing weakness, numbness, and peripheral neuropathy in the legs. Peripheral neuropathy is the “pins and needles” sensation on the legs and feet.
6. Swelling in your legs
Myeloma proteins damage kidneys, rendering them unable to flush out fluids, salts, and other wastes. Excessive salts and fluid retention in the body make the legs start swelling. Swollen legs also indicate issues with the joints, which can be attributed to the degradation of bones by myeloma cells.
7. Increased thirst and urination
Hypercalcemia and myeloma protein releases cause an abnormal immune response, triggering paraneoplastic syndromes. The common signals are a heightened urge to pee and polydipsia (excessive and persistent thirst). Hypercalcemia and amyloidosis cause kidney failures. Consequently, making it difficult for the bladder tissue to hold urine for long times, which causes frequent urination.
The signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma have a striking semblance to other types of cancers. Whereas these are the common symptoms of the disease, you may also exhibit other signs. Other symptoms may include fatigue, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and confusion. If your body shows these signs, it is prudent you visit a health facility immediately. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple myeloma will help fight the disease before it worsens.
