Multiple myeloma can remain asymptomatic for many years; the disease continues its physiological damage without causing noticeable symptoms. In most cases, signs and symptoms begin to emerge after a long period after the tumor is advanced.
Many patients find out they have multiple myeloma during a routine blood test or a diagnostic for another medical condition. As myeloma affects the bones of the spine, the first symptom is often a pain in the back, ribs, neck or pelvis.
The most common multiple myeloma symptoms include:
- weakness and fatigue
- easy bruising
- paleness
- weight loss
- blurred vision
- unexplained bone fractures
- leg weakness or numbness
- excessive thirst and urination
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of sensation
- headache and dizziness
- purple patches under the skin
- unusual nose or gums bleeding
- confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating
- frequent infections, mostly pneumonia, sinusitis, bladder or kidney infections, skin infections
- muscle weakness associated with decreased muscle reflexes.