Multiple Myeloma Symptoms: How to Recognize the Warning Signs

Content medically reviewed by Harish Ahuja, MD

Multiple myeloma is a rare type of blood cancer that starts in your plasma cells — the white blood cells that make antibodies to help your body fight off infections and harmful substances.

Sometimes, a plasma cell in the bone marrow becomes abnormal and starts to multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells are called myeloma cells. They build up in your bone marrow and damage the bone around them as they grow. You may hear this condition called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, or plasma cell myeloma.

“Although this type of cancer is rare, it’s important to know the signs so your doctor can evaluate you and begin treatment as soon as possible,” said Dr. Harish Ahuja, hematologist and oncologist at Essentia Health. “Multiple myeloma can cause pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that interfere with your life. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin potentially lifesaving treatment.”

Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

It may be easy to overlook multiple myeloma symptoms, as they can mimic the symptoms of other conditions. If you’re experiencing any symptoms below, talk with your provider for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Complications and symptoms of multiple myeloma include –

1. Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. These red blood cells carry hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that transports oxygen to your body's tissues. When you have anemia, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, leading to symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

2. Bone Fractures

Multiple myeloma can cause general bone weakness, causing bones to fracture more easily, even from minor bumps and falls.

3. Bone Pain

Bone pain—dully and achy pain that feels like it’s penetrating—can be a sign of multiple myeloma. Myeloma cells can weaken bones and lead to spinal compression, causing back pain.

4. Fatigue

Persistent fatigue is a common symptom of multiple myeloma. This fatigue can result from cancer's impact on your body or from anemia, a frequent complication of myeloma. With fatigue, you may feel as though you’re never rested or that you’re too tired to carry out normal tasks.

5. Frequent Infections

With multiple myeloma, cancerous cells overtake healthy blood cell production in the bone marrow, including infection-fighting white blood cells. This can weaken your immune system and make it hard to fight infections, leaving you vulnerable to frequent illnesses, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

6. Swelling

Myeloma cells overproduce abnormal antibodies called M proteins, which can cause kidney issues and lead to symptoms like swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles.

Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma

To reach an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will run a variety of tests, which may include blood tests, biopsies, and imaging. These tests not only diagnose or rule out multiple myeloma but can also offer insight into the extent of the cancer. Knowing the full extent of your condition also helps your doctor provide the best possible care.

Blood Tests

These tests check levels of your red and white blood cells and platelets. A low red blood cell count can indicate multiple myeloma. Blood tests can also determine the health of your kidneys. Poor kidney function is a sign of multiple myeloma.

Biopsy

A biopsy for multiple myeloma tests a small portion of your bone marrow to check for signs of the cancer, including too many plasma cells.

Imaging

Bone loss and damage is a common complication of multiple myeloma. X-rays provide an image of your bones, which can tell your doctor if cancer is present.

Urine Tests

Your kidneys process and filter a specific myeloma-related protein in your urine, which urine tests can detect.

Life After a Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

Life after a multiple myeloma diagnosis looks different for each person. Your age, health status, and lifestyle can impact your treatment and how you respond.

One key to better treatment is early diagnosis, which begins with knowing the symptoms of multiple myeloma and reporting them to your doctor. Sometimes, multiple myeloma doesn’t cause symptoms, and your doctor finds its signs during routine bloodwork. This also speaks to the importance of regular checkups with your primary care provider.