Just as every person with myeloma is different, so are their symptoms. Myeloma symptoms can vary from one person to the next based on where cells produce antibodies are found, how well they function, and other factors. These differences can have a big impact on treatments that work for one person but not another.
This article will explore some of the most common myeloma symptoms and discuss what you should do if any new symptoms appear.
Fever is a common symptom of myeloma, and it occurs in about 80 to 90% of patients. The cause of fever can be many different things, but the most common is infection with a virus or bacteria. However, a fever that persists after you've been diagnosed with myeloma doesn't tell you anything about whether your cancer cells are growing or not. Also, like many other symptoms, fever can vary from person to person. For some people, a fever may cause chills and shivers. Others may not feel much of a temperature change at all. But having a fever doesn't mean you have cancer, and not having a fever doesn't mean you don't!
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes that often occurs in myeloma patients. It doesn't mean that you have cancer – it could be caused by anything from liver disease to kidney failure or a thyroid problem to a viral infection. And as with most myeloma symptoms, jaundice can vary from person to person. Not all myeloma patients experience jaundice. Just because you're jaundiced doesn't mean you have cancer. However, if your skin color does return to normal over time after jaundice begins, that could be a sign that your body is producing too many myeloma cells and not enough healthy ones. It's important to get checked out in these situations by your doctor.
Fatigue is another common symptom of myeloma. It can be hard to tell whether you have cancer or are just tired because of lack of sleep or other factors. Fatigue can come and go, or it can persist, but if it's persistent and doesn't get better after a week, make an appointment with your doctor.
Myeloma symptoms can include weight changes. Some people gain weight because of the increased appetite caused by myeloma, while others lose weight because of an inability to keep food down. A loss of appetite can signify that cancer is growing in the body, and it's important to have these changes checked out by your doctor. If you're feeling nauseous for a long period, talk with your doctor about medications that may help you feel better.
Numbness can be a symptom of myeloma. This can be one of the best ways to tell whether or not you have cancer. The numbness, in this case, is caused by cutaneous neuropathy. This means that your nerves in the skin are being damaged by pressure applied to them from fluid buildup. The pressure could be from myeloma or your weight, or other issues. But if you have this numbness, it's important to see a doctor so they can check you over.
Sores in the mouth are another symptom of myeloma. They're usually caused by infection and don't necessarily mean cancer, so it's important to talk with your doctor when you get these sores in your mouth. It's also possible that they could be a sign of liver or kidney damage.
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of many different things – myeloma is just one possibility. If you feel like you can't breathe, see your doctor right away. If they find that your lungs are clear, it's okay to go on as usual.
Swelling in the legs and feet from the fluid buildup is often a sign of myeloma, but it happens in other types of cancer as well. If you feel that one or both of your legs is swollen, know that this happens to many myeloma patients, and there are things you can do to manage it. The swelling can be caused by infection, leg injury, or just the increased pressure from your own body's fluids. It's important to see your doctor if you think that there might be something wrong with your legs.
Sweating is another common symptom of myeloma. Many patients have experienced night sweats and even hot flashes. These symptoms are caused by the increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the body, which can be very disruptive. You need to let your doctor know if you experience any of these night sweats or hot flashes, especially if they don't go away after a week.
Pain in bones and joints is also fairly common among myeloma patients. The cause of this pain can be many different things, including pressure from cancer cells, the weight of a tumor on the bone, or inflammation of the bone. If you are experiencing pain in your bone, talk to your doctor and let them know so that they can check you over.
Trouble swallowing can be a sign that something is wrong with your throat or vocal cords. In these cases, it can be caused by infection or injury or a sign of throat cancer. It's recommended that anyone experiencing trouble swallowing sees a doctor as soon as possible.
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of myeloma and can be caused by many things – infection, injury, or tumor pressure. If you have abdominal pain in addition to any other myeloma symptoms, it's important to see your doctor.
As you can see, myeloma symptoms can be many different things. They don't all have to be the same, and they aren't necessarily cancerous, but it's important to see a doctor about any ongoing symptoms. If your doctor does find that you have cancer, the earlier the treatment begins, the better.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.