The multiple myeloma mainly affects bone. Apart from bones, blood as well as kidneys are also affected.
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1. Bone: Bone loss mainly is the most common effect of MM (Multiple Myeloma), and 85% of patients with multiple myeloma have some degree of bone loss. Spine, pelvis, and rib cage are the most commonly affected bones.
Myeloma leads to bone loss in a couple of ways.
The first one is: myeloma cells collect in order to form masses in the bone marrow that usually disrupt the normal structure of surrounding bone.
The second one is: myeloma cells basically secrete substances which interfere with the normal process of bone repair as well as growth.
Bone destruction may also result in calcium level in the bloodstream to go up, a condition named hypercalcemia, which may be a serious complication if appropriate treatment is not taken immediately.
2. Blood: When the myeloma cells develop out of control, it interferes with the production of all sorts of blood cells.
When white blood cells decrease it may be responsible for causing increased risk of infection. Decreased RBC production may result in anemia, which exists in about 60% of patients at diagnosis. A reduction in platelets may interfere with the normal blood clotting.
3. Hyperviscosity: When myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins, it may cause a dangerous thickening of the blood, which is known as hyperviscosity. This condition may be responsible for causing complications like nose bleeding, bruising, nose gastrointestinal bleeding, confusion, hazy vision, numbness in the extremities, shortness of breath and chest pain.
4. Kidneys: Too much M protein as well as calcium in the blood overwork the kidneys as they filter blood. The amount of urine produced may reduce, and the kidneys may fail in order to function normally. Approximately more than half of patients experience a decrease in their renal function at some point in the course of the disease.
5. Amyloidosis: Some patients with myeloma may develop amyloidosis.
The amyloidosis occurs due to abnormal proteins collecting in the tissues of our body. The buildup of abnormal proteins may be responsible for causing several problems, including severe. For instance, proteins may build up in the heart, and can be responsible for causing chest pain as well as swollen feet. There are several medicines in order to treat amyloidosis.
