Myeloma cancer symptoms develop from a blood cancer called multiple myeloma, which affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally help fight infections. In myeloma, these cells grow out of control and interfere with normal blood cell production, bone health, kidney function, and immune defense.
Symptoms often begin slowly and may be mistaken for aging, arthritis, or common infections. Understanding myeloma cancer symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved outcomes.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells found in bone marrow. These abnormal cells produce large amounts of faulty antibodies called monoclonal proteins (M proteins). These proteins damage bones, kidneys, and the immune system.
Myeloma is considered a chronic but treatable cancer. Many patients live for years with proper medical care.
Early Myeloma Cancer Symptoms
Early-stage myeloma may cause mild or vague symptoms. Some people have no symptoms and are diagnosed during routine blood tests.
Common Early Warning Signs
- Persistent fatigue
- Mild bone or back pain
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or reduced stamina
These symptoms are often overlooked, delaying diagnosis.
Most Common Myeloma Cancer Symptoms
Bone Pain and Bone Damage
Bone pain is the most common symptom of myeloma.
- Pain usually affects the spine, ribs, hips, or skull
- Pain worsens with movement
- Bones may become thin and fragile
- Fractures can occur with minor injury
Myeloma causes bone breakdown by activating cells that dissolve bone tissue.
Fatigue and Anemia
Myeloma crowds out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow.
This leads to anemia, causing:
- Constant tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
Fatigue may be severe and persistent.
Frequent Infections
Abnormal plasma cells do not produce effective antibodies.
This weakens immunity and causes:
- Repeated respiratory infections
- Slow recovery from illness
- Increased need for antibiotics
Even mild infections may become serious.
Kidney Problems
Myeloma proteins can damage the kidneys.
Symptoms of kidney involvement include:
- Swelling in legs or ankles
- Reduced urine output
- Foamy urine
- Nausea or confusion in severe cases
Kidney damage may be silent until advanced.
High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia)
Bone breakdown releases calcium into the blood.
High calcium causes:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion or drowsiness
This is a medical emergency if untreated.
Neurological Myeloma Cancer Symptoms
Myeloma can affect nerves and the spinal cord.
Nerve Compression Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in legs or feet
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty walking
Spinal cord compression requires urgent medical care.
Less Common Myeloma Cancer Symptoms
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Depression or cognitive slowing
- Sexual dysfunction related to fatigue or hormone changes
These symptoms usually appear in later stages.
Myeloma Symptoms by Disease Stage
Smoldering Myeloma
- No symptoms
- Abnormal blood protein levels only
- Requires close monitoring
Active Myeloma
- Bone pain
- Anemia
- Kidney dysfunction
- High calcium levels
- Recurrent infections
Unique Clinical Takeaways
1. Bone Pain That Improves With Rest Is Not Typical
Myeloma-related bone pain often persists at rest and worsens at night. This distinguishes it from mechanical back pain or arthritis, which usually improves with rest.
Actionable insight: Persistent night-time back pain lasting more than four weeks warrants blood testing for myeloma markers.
2. Recurrent Infections Without Fever Can Signal Immune Failure
Myeloma patients may experience repeated infections without high fever due to impaired antibody production.
Actionable insight: Adults with frequent infections and normal white blood cell counts should undergo serum protein testing.
3. Kidney Injury May Appear Before Bone Pain
In some patients, kidney dysfunction is the first detectable symptom, occurring before bone or blood abnormalities.
Actionable insight: Unexplained kidney failure with protein in urine should prompt screening for monoclonal proteins.
4. Symptoms Often Mimic Normal Aging
Fatigue, back pain, and weakness are commonly dismissed as aging-related.
Actionable insight: Persistent multi-system symptoms in adults over 50 require hematologic evaluation, not symptom-only treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent bone pain
- Ongoing fatigue not relieved by rest
- Recurrent infections
- Unexplained kidney problems
- Elevated calcium levels on blood tests
Early diagnosis improves treatment response and survival.
How Myeloma Cancer Symptoms Are Diagnosed
Doctors use:
- Blood tests (CBC, calcium, creatinine)
- Serum protein electrophoresis
- Urine protein testing
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, PET)
Diagnosis requires multiple tests, not symptoms alone.
Living With Myeloma Symptoms
Modern treatments reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life.
Management includes:
- Pain control
- Infection prevention
- Bone-strengthening therapy
- Kidney protection
- Physical activity as tolerated
Supportive care is as important as cancer treatment.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for symptoms, testing, or treatment decisions related to myeloma or other medical conditions.