Multiple myeloma signs and symptoms , Unlike many other types of cancer, myeloma can affect the body in many ways. This is due to the activity of the cell mielomatosa itself and the release of a series of proteins and other chemicals in the micro environment of bone marrow and directly into the bloodstream.
It is very important to remember that not all patients will experience all the complications. Below we describe the symptoms and com¬plicaciones more common in cases of myeloma.
Bone diseases are one of the most frequent in myeloma patients complications. Mielomatosas cells release chemical compounds that activate cells osteoclastic that destroy bone and block the osteoblastic cells, which are normally in charge of repairing the damage caused in the bones.
When this happens the bone is broken until you can regenerate, which leads to bone pain, injuries and even fractures. The middle and lower parts of the back, rib cage and the hips are affected most frequently. Fractures cause more frequently in the vertebrae or ribs.
These fractures may occur with a minor injury or a very moderate pressure and, in the case of the vertebrae fractures can cause collapse of the same, causing pain, loss of height and deviation of the spine.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of patients diagnosed with myeloma and is usually associated with an underlying bone disease.
The effective management of the pain suffered by the patient and its relationship with the quality of life is as important as treatment and critical to combat myeloma in itself.
The pain is very particular in each patient and his treatment will vary, so the medication should point to a relief continued pain whenever possible with the least number of side effects associated with those drugs.
In some cases patients certain benefits have been obtained using complementary therapies such as relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and even hypnosis.
Fatigue The most important part of the treatment of fatigue is merely recognize it as such.
It is important that you mention to your doctor how you feel because there are several things that can be done to address some of the causes of fatigue.
Fatigue has been described occasionally as a vicious, but can break that cycle and allow the patient to manage it effectively. There are a series of things that can make to help you to you yes same or so you help those that you care.
Renal damage Associated with myeloma kidney problems can occur for different reasons. The abnormal production of proteins by cells mielomatosas can damage the kidneys This is especially common in the case of protein Bence Jones.
Other complications of myeloma, dehydration and hypercalcemia and some of the drugs used for the treatment of myeloma and its complications, can also cause damage to the kidney (especially anti-inflammatory drugs).
Anemia and infections In adults, almost all of the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are produced in the bone marrow.
Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout the body. White blood cells are those that help fight infections in the body. Finally platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and help the blood to clot.
Given that mielomatosas cells displace other cells that are produced in the bone marrow, fewer blood cells occurs. This decline in the number of blood cells can lead to diseases such as anemia or frequent infections.
Anemia, as mentioned above, is a reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin responsible for the transport of oxygen-containing. It may occur as a result of myeloma or as a side effect of the treatment and produce symptoms of fatigue and weakness.
Low levels of white blood cells do not have why to need specific treatment, but the patient must be alert for symptoms of infection (such as fever, cough and green sputum or pain with urination) and consult your physician at the slightest symptom.