Does multiple myeloma affect your legs?

Multiple myeloma can weaken the bones and make them more likely to break (fracture). The spine and long bones (arms and legs) are most often affected.


Does multiple myeloma cause pain in legs?

Nerve damage: Myeloma proteins can be toxic to your nerves. This can lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy that causes a pins-and-needles feeling, often in your legs and feet.

What part of the body does multiple myeloma affect?

Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones. It produces the body's blood cells. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells (a type of blood cell) inside the bone marrow.


Can multiple myeloma affect your ability to walk?

Because multiple myeloma can affect your mobility, it puts you at a higher risk for injury or falling. This can make physical activity more challenging.

What is the most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma?

Major symptoms of multiple myeloma may include bone pain, especially in the back and the ribs; low levels of circulating red blood cells (anemia) resulting in weakness, fatigue, and lack of color (pallor); and kidney (renal) abnormalities.


What causes myeloma bone pain? How can bone pain be managed?



What is the most common complaint of multiple myeloma?

Bone pain is the most common presenting symptom in MM. Most case series report that 70% of patients have bone pain at presentation. The lumbar spine is one of the most common sites of pain. Pathologic fractures are very common in MM; 93% of patients have more than one site of bony involvement.

Where does myeloma spread to first?

At first, the cells reproduce in the bone marrow of the spine. From there, they enter the bloodstream and travel to bone marrow in other parts of the body. They collect in the bone marrow and the hard, outer part of the bones. As this progression happens, the plasma cells can cause multiple tumors.

What are advanced signs of multiple myeloma?

As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.


Do you sleep a lot with myeloma?

People living with multiple myeloma can feel extremely tired even if they're getting enough sleep. This condition is called fatigue. It's important to recognize the symptoms of fatigue and to report those symptoms to your healthcare team.

How fast does myeloma progress?

The risk of myeloma progressing is highest in the first 5 years after diagnosis. About 50 out of 100 people (50%) with smouldering myeloma develop symptoms and need treatment within the first 5 years. However, after 5 years the risk decreases and some people never develop symptoms or need treatment.

What is the number one cause of multiple myeloma?

Scientists still do not know exactly what causes most cases of multiple myeloma. However, they have made progress in understanding how certain changes in DNA can make plasma cells become cancerous. DNA is the chemical that carries the instructions for nearly everything our cells do.


What are the two major cause of death in multiple myeloma?

To conclude, the majority of transplant-eligible MM patients died MM-dependent, with one-fifth of these cases caused by therapeutic side effects. Infections, SPM and GvHD were the most common therapy-related COD. Among MM progression-related COD infections, renal failure and cardiopulmonary failure were leading.

What triggers myeloma?

What Are Its Causes? Exposure to toxic chemicals, atomic radiation, anything that interferes with the immune system, or infection with cancer-causing viruses, may potentially be linked to the developing myeloma.

What are aching legs a symptom of?

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.


What are the red flags for multiple myeloma?

Numbness: most commonly found within the spine, due to vertebrae weakening. Kidney problems: damage or failure due to unnecessary pressure on kidneys. Hypercalcemia: high calcium content in blood because of bone breakdown. Can lead to exhaustion, constipation and kidney issues.

Does multiple myeloma show up in blood work?

Laboratory analysis of your blood may reveal the M proteins produced by myeloma cells. Another abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells — called beta-2-microglobulin — may be detected in your blood and give your doctor clues about the aggressiveness of your myeloma.

Where does your back hurt with multiple myeloma?

The spine and long bones (arms and legs) are most often affected. Fractures of the spine can cause the sections of the spine to collapse, leading to pain and, occasionally, compression of the spinal cord (the main column of nerves running down the back).


Can you lead a normal life with myeloma?

Apart from ongoing monitoring, most myeloma patients are able to live fairly normal lives, with few restrictions on low-impact exercise and other activity.

Does myeloma affect the skin?

Myeloma or treatment for myeloma can cause a variety of skin conditions, including rashes, sores, and bumps. Symptoms can develop due to: the accumulation of plasma cells in your skin. the buildup of abnormal M protein produced by cancer cells.

How do you know what stage of multiple myeloma you have?

Multiple myeloma is staged using the Revised International Staging System (RISS) based on 4 factors:
  1. The amount of albumin in the blood.
  2. The amount of beta-2-microglobulin in the blood.
  3. The amount of LDH in the blood.
  4. The specific gene abnormalities (cytogenetics) of the cancer.


What is the life expectancy of a person with multiple myeloma?

The overall 5-year survival rate for people with multiple myeloma in the United States is 55%. For the 4% of people who are diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is over 77%. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate is over 54%.

What are the symptoms of stage 3 multiple myeloma?

What are symptoms of stage 3 multiple myeloma?
  • nausea.
  • constipation.
  • pain in the bones and back.
  • depression.
  • fatigue.
  • frequent infections.
  • weight loss.
  • bruising.


When should I suspect myeloma?

Your Doctor May Suspect Multiple Myeloma Before You Do

Low red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts, which are common in multiple myeloma. High levels of calcium in your blood, called hypercalcemia. Abnormal proteins in your blood or urine.


What is the best test to diagnose multiple myeloma?

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Bone marrow has both a solid and a liquid part. A bone marrow aspiration removes a sample of the fluid with a needle. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a small amount of solid tissue using a needle. This is important for making a diagnosis of myeloma.

Is there a difference between myeloma and multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma cells are abnormal plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) that build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in many bones of the body. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies that protect us from infection.