Myeloma is a form of cancer that attacks the plasma cells in bone marrow. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies, which help the body fight infections and diseases. Myeloma is very common among patients who have both adult-onset myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Experts do not know the cause of myeloma. However, it starts with one unhealthy plasma cells that multiply two-fold.

Myeloma is considered a risk for patients of African American descent, the elderly, the obese, and those exposed to radiation. The treatment options for this cancer include chemotherapy with heparin. Treatment can range from a few days to many months. Radiation therapy is an option for treating cancer because it kills cancer cells, and it reduces the size of tumors.

There are three forms of myeloma: primary, secondary, and diffuse:

  • Primary myeloma is caused by a gene mutation that affects the cell cycle or chromosome structure.
  • Secondary myeloma is caused by the expression of a functional but mutated tumor suppressor gene.
  • Diffuse myeloma is a result of abnormal cell division. The proper diet may be the best way to prevent or treat myeloma.

Some of the visible signs of myeloma are the following:

  • Weight loss
  • Increased in thirst
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Constipation

Below are common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma that can help you discover it before it progresses to advanced stages:

1. Fatigue
If myeloma cells replace healthy cells, which fight invading germs, your body has to function much harder with fewer defences, and you tire more easily.

2. Bone problems
Lack of healthy bone cells can cause problems such as bone pain in your hips, skull and back, broken bones from injury or minor stress and weakened bones where there are osteoporosis and plasmacytoma.

3. Kidney problems
Myeloma cells create toxic proteins that may cause kidney failure or kidney damage. Signs of kidney damage can be seen in the urine and blood tests. When your kidneys fail, the body loses its ability to rid itself of excess fluid, salt, and body waste. This result leads to the below symptoms:

  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Itching
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Loss of feeling in the legs
  • Frequent urination

4. Low blood counts
When Myeloma cells take over healthy cells, it can lead to low red and white blood counts. Deficiencies in blood platelets, white cells and red blood cells are common and can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Anaemia, which is caused by a low number of red blood cells, can cause dizziness, weakness and shortness of breath.
  • Leukopenia, which is caused by low white blood cells, can cause pneumonia because it reduces the resistance to infections.
  • Thrombocytopenia, which is caused by low blood platelet counts can cause severe bleeding even with minor cuts, scrapes, or bruises.

5. Frequent infections
Abnormal blood cell levels with few antibodies make it harder to fight infections. Patients with myeloma cells are much more likely to get an infection, and they may have a slow response to treatment.