Multiple Myeloma is a type of cancer that originate in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cells. It is a very rare type of cancer that usually affects older adults.

The cancer cells in this type grow uncontrollably causing damage to the bone marrow and bones. The symptoms of multiple myeloma can be severe or mild depending on different factors. Here are some of the unseen signs of multiple myeloma and its prognosis.

Unseen Signs of Multiple Myeloma

1. Fatigue

Extreme fatigue is one of the unseen signs of multiple myeloma. The cancer cells usually grow uncontrollably causing damage to the bone marrow. This can result in low levels of red blood cells hence causing anemia. This usually results in fatigue.

2. Bone Pain

Bone pain is also another unseen sign of multiple myeloma. The cancer cells that grow uncontrollably usually causes damage to the bones. This can result in bone pain that mostly affects the back, thigh and chest.

3. Kidney Problems

Multiple myeloma can also cause problems to the kidneys. The cancer cells usually produce abnormal proteins that can harm the kidneys. This can result in kidney failure hence leading to unseen symptoms like fatigue, lack of energy and appetite.

4. Nervous System Symptoms

Multiple myeloma can also affect the nervous system. This can result in unseen symptoms like numbness or weakness in the legs or arms and even muscle weakness or muscle cramps.

5. Skin Rashes

It is not common but some patients with multiple myeloma will have skin rashes. This is a posteriory condition that can result in severe rashes on the skin.

6. Weight Loss

Unintended weight loss is also a symptom that can be more alarming in patients with multiple myeloma.

7. Frequent Infections

Multiple myeloma can also weaken the immune system of an individual hence causing frequent infections that might go unnoticed or be seen as mild.

Prognosis of Multiple Myeloma

The prognosis of multiple myeloma depends on the stage and the type of multiple myeloma. Here is an overview of different stages of multiple myeloma and the prognosis.

1. Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma

In this stage, the multiple myeloma has not affected the bones and other organs. Patients can live for over 10 years if managed well.

2. Stage 2 Multiple Myeloma

At this stage, the multiple myeloma is starting to affect other organs and bones. Patients can live for around five years or a little bit less depending on how well it’s managed.

3. Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma

This is a severe stage of multiple myeloma. The cancer has now affected other organs and bones. Patients at this stage usually have a poor prognosis and may live for only a few months or years.

Types of Multiple Myeloma

There are three types of multiple myeloma: smoldering, asymptomatic, and symptomatic.

1. Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

Symptoms are usually not present in smoldering multiple myeloma. It is usually diagnosed during a routine checkup. Patients with smoldering multiple myeloma usually have a good prognosis and a long life expectancy.

2. Asymptomatic Multiple Myeloma

Patients with asymptomatic multiple myeloma do not have any signs of myeloma. They are usually diagnosed during blood tests or bone marrow biopsies.

Patients with asymptomatic multiple myeloma usually have a good prognosis however, it is still essential to manage it well to avoid it progressing to symptomatic multiple myeloma in the future.

3. Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma

Symptomatic multiple myeloma is the most severe of the three types of multiple myeloma. Patients have several symptoms that are associated with multiple myeloma.

The prognosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma ranges from a few months to years depending on how well it’s managed.

Conclusion

Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer that can be hard to diagnose in its early stages. The unseen symptoms can cause damage to the organs and bones hence leading to severe symptoms later on.

It’s important to be observant of the signs of multiple myeloma so that one can be diagnosed and receive early treatment. The prognosis of multiple myeloma depends on different factors such as the stage and type, hence it’s important to manage it well and seek medical attention early.