Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer occurring in plasma cells which are a type of white blood cells. As a result, instead of producing antibodies to fight infections, these cells produce proteins that lead to various health complications. Though various medical professionals use different staging criteria, this form of cancer has four stages which include: smoldering, Stage I, Stage II and Stage III. In 2013, an international group divided multiple myeloma into three stages based on two criteria—the levels of serum albumin and the concentration of beta-2-microglobulin.

Over time, these criteria were accepted by various other groups widely. Risk factors for multiple myeloma are not known. Hence proper preventive measures cannot be undertaken. In the initial stage of this disease, a patient shows no signs or symptoms. Therefore treatments are not necessary until the symptoms make an appearance.

In stage I, patients might experience signs of anemia and the presence of a small amount of M protein; however, damages to the bone are not noticed. In stage II, anemia, M protein as well as bone damages are noticeable. In stage III, apart from anemia and M protein, patients also show signs of kidney damage. The cancerous cells might be located in or outside the bone marrow. The various health complications patients might experience are discussed below:

1. Anemia
As myeloma cells start growing uncontrollably, they force out healthy blood cells. This leads to a low count of red blood cells which causes anemia and other blood-related problems.

2. Bleeding
Some of the prominent symptoms of multiple myeloma are blood clots, bruising, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, etc. These are caused by thickened blood, a condition called hyperviscosity, and a lower number of platelets.

3. Damages to the nerve
Abnormal plasma cells produce a large amount of M protein; this is one of the risk factors for multiple myeloma that can further damage the nerves causing peripheral neuropathy. If the tumor is pressing up against the nerve, it can also cause pain or damage.

4. Bone problems
This form of cancer can also affect the bones making them weak and causing them pain, especially in the spine and the chest area. Patients can also experience broken bones.

5. Weakness and fatigue
One of the important functions of the red blood cells is to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. When myeloma cells crowd out healthy cells including red blood cells, they lead to anemia which further makes the patient weak.

6. Kidney failure
M protein is a risk factor for multiple myeloma. When abnormal cells start producing a large amount of this type of proteins, they get accumulated in different parts of the body causing damage to different organs including kidneys. This type of protein deposition affects the kidney’s ability to filter waste.

7. Frequent infections
Myeloma cells hinder the body’s ability to fight infections. As a result, patients often succumb to frequent infections.

8. Back pain
If the myeloma affects the bones in the spine, it can press down on the spinal cord. As a result, one can feel sudden and severe back pain. Patients can also feel numbness or weakness in their legs.

Multiple myeloma can cause all these above-mentioned symptoms and health complications. Whenever patients experience these health problems, they should consult their physician to get diagnosed properly.