What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma: A Comprehensive Overview
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex and incurable hematological malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. This disease manifests through a variety of symptoms, which can be broadly categorized into bone-related issues, systemic symptoms, and other organ-specific complications.
Bone-Related Symptoms
Bone Pain and Fractures
One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple myeloma is bone pain. This pain is often due to the formation of tumors within the bone, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures2 4. Patients frequently report pain in the back, ribs, and pelvis, which can be severe and persistent3 5. Vertebral fractures are particularly common, contributing to significant morbidity3.
Bone Lesions and Osteoporosis
Multiple myeloma often leads to the deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in lytic lesions and osteoporosis. These conditions not only cause pain but also increase the likelihood of fractures2 4. Skeletal radiographs are crucial for identifying these bone abnormalities and staging the disease4.
Systemic Symptoms
Fatigue and Malaise
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom among multiple myeloma patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. It is often reported alongside general feelings of malaise and tiredness4 5. This fatigue can be severe and persistent, affecting daily activities and overall well-being5.
Hypercalcemia
The breakdown of bone tissue in multiple myeloma can lead to hypercalcemia, an excess of calcium in the blood. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include nausea, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, and confusion2 4. This condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Anemia
Anemia is another common systemic symptom, resulting from the infiltration of the bone marrow by malignant plasma cells, which disrupts normal blood cell production. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath4 8.
Organ-Specific Complications
Renal Insufficiency
Renal insufficiency is a significant complication in multiple myeloma, often caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins produced by the malignant plasma cells. This can lead to renal amyloidosis and other kidney-related issues, necessitating careful monitoring and management4 8.
Neurological Symptoms
Neurological symptoms in multiple myeloma can arise from nerve compression due to bone lesions or from the direct effects of the disease on the nervous system. Patients may experience numbness, weakness in the arms or legs, and peripheral neuropathy2 6 8.
Infections
Due to the compromised immune system in multiple myeloma patients, there is an increased susceptibility to infections. This necessitates the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and preventive immunizations against common pathogens4.
Less Common Symptoms
Non-CRAB Manifestations
In addition to the typical CRAB symptoms (hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, and bone lesions), multiple myeloma can present with a variety of other clinical manifestations. These include neuropathy, extramedullary involvement, hyperviscosity syndrome, amyloidosis, hemorrhage, systemic symptoms like fever and weight loss, and primary plasma cell leukemia6.
Psychological Symptoms
Patients with multiple myeloma often report psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression, which can significantly affect their quality of life. These symptoms are prevalent and require appropriate psychological support and interventions5 9.
Conclusion
Multiple myeloma presents with a wide array of symptoms that can severely impact a patient's quality of life. Bone pain, fractures, fatigue, hypercalcemia, anemia, renal insufficiency, and neurological symptoms are among the most common manifestations. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of the disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prevalence of symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Multiple myeloma patients experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and anxiety, due to disease and treatment-related toxicities.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedMultiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma can cause bone pain, increased fracture risk, numbness, and muscle weakness, as well as lead to nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle weakness, and confusion.
Highly CitedPatient-reported symptoms and diagnostic journey in Multiple Myeloma
Allied health professionals, infection symptoms, and chest or shoulder pain are associated with a lower likelihood of multiple myeloma diagnosis within 12 weeks.
Observational StudyMultiple myeloma: diagnosis and treatment.
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed with blood tests, bone marrow aspiration, and bone marrow biopsy, and treated with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.
Highly CitedSymptom Burden in Transplant Ineligible Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Population-Based Study of Patient-Reported Outcomes
In transplant ineligible multiple myeloma patients, over 25% experience moderate to severe symptoms within a year of diagnosis, with depression being the most prevalent.
Observational StudyBeyond the CRAB symptoms: a study of presenting clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma.
Non-CRAB manifestations of multiple myeloma, which include neuropathy, extramedullary involvement, hyperviscosity syndrome, concomitant amyloidosis, hemorrhage/coagulopathy, systemic symptoms, primary plasma cell leukemia, infections, cryoglob
Observational StudyHighly CitedLiving with advanced but stable multiple myeloma: a study of the symptom burden and cumulative effects of disease and intensive (hematopoietic stem cell transplant-based) treatment on health-related quality of life.
Intensively treated long-term myeloma survivors experience significantly compromised health-related quality of life due to symptom burden, even when disease activity is stable.
Observational StudyHighly CitedFeatures of diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a rare, incurable disease characterized by increased plasma cell production and disruption of the immune system, leading to bone pain, bone destruction, and various nonspecific symptoms.
Symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a multicenter prospective cohort study.
More than 30% of multiple myeloma patients experience pain and other symptoms, and suboptimal palliative care within a year after starting initial chemotherapy.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalChanging clinical presentation of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed earlier than in the past, with fewer symptoms and less advanced bone disease, and less common renal failure.
Observational StudyHighly CitedTry another search
What are the principles and applications of natural language processing?
What are the mechanisms of evolution and natural selection?
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
What causes the sound of a clock ticking?
What is psychotherapy?
What are the properties and uses of the periodic table elements?