Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

Multiple myeloma (MM) symptoms usually do not appear until it is in later stages. It develops slowly over many years. In many people, it is found during routine blood or urine testing. In those that have them, symptoms depend on where the tumor is and what types of blood cells are affected.

If you have these, do not think it is because of MM. Other, less serious conditions can cause these problems. But, you should still talk to your doctor about them. Finding and treating the cause early will improve the chances for a cure.

Common Symptoms

The most common problems caused by MM are:

Bone pain—Mainly in the back, hips, ribs, or skull. Bone tissue is broken down faster than it is built up. This causes the bones to weaken. Bone pain can also be caused by growing tumors.
Broken bones—Weak bones increase the risk of breaks. Even small breaks will cause pain.
Unintended weight loss

Other Symptoms

MM can cause a wide range of other, less common symptoms such as:

Burning or tingling pain, or numbness or muscle weakness caused by peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome
Feeling weak or tired
Fever or frequent infections that last longer than normal

References:

General information about plasma cell neoplasms. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloma/patient/myeloma-treatment-pdq#_1. Updated April 9, 2019. Accessed May 6, 2019.

Multiple myeloma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116888/Multiple-myeloma. Updated March 29, 2019. Accessed May 6, 2019.

Multiple myeloma. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/plasma-cell-disorders/multiple-myeloma. Updated May 2018. Accessed May 6, 2019.

Signs and symptoms. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. Available at: https://www.lls.org/disease-information/myeloma/signs-and-symptoms. Accessed May 6, 2019.

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html. Updated February 28, 2019. Accessed May 6, 2019.

Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 5/6/2019

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.