Every year over 30,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed in the United States. Fortunately, the 5-year survival rate is over 77% for people diagnosed with multiple myeloma early. Learn more about the warning signs of multiple myeloma. 

Multiple Myeloma survival rates have steadily increased over time; however, an estimated 117,077 people worldwide will die from multiple myeloma this year alone. Although you can't always prevent Multiple Myeloma, you can learn the warning signs that can help you catch it early — when it's easiest to treat. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of multiple myeloma no one should ignore.

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. In a healthy person, bone marrow contains few plasma cells; however, in people with multiple myeloma, plasma cells multiply at an abnormal rate. This increase in plasma cells creates a buildup of protein (also known as immunoglobulin) in the bones and blood. 

Your risk of developing multiple myeloma depends on a number of factors, including your age, race, genetics, and family history of the disease. Multiple myeloma is more commonly diagnosed in people aged 60 and over and in people who are black. Other risk factors for developing multiple myeloma include sex (males are more likely to be affected) and being obese; however, anyone can be diagnosed with this type of cancer, so it's essential to know the symptoms.

Early Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma can be tricky to detect in its early stages. Sadly, often once symptoms appear, the cancer has already spread without the patient being aware they have the disease. In addition, symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary from patient to patient. 

Common symptoms of Multiple Myeloma include;

• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Mental confusion
• Frequent bacterial infections
• Weight loss
• Weakness 
• Excessive thirst
• Anemia
• Kidney stones
• Shortness of breath

The severity of Multiple Myeloma symptoms vary depending on the stage of cancer present. In the early stages of the disease, you may not experience any symptoms; however, as the cancer progresses, symptoms tend to get progressively worse. 

Although there's no known cure available for multiple myeloma, treatments are available to slow its spread, manage your symptoms and extend your life. 

How Do You Diagnose Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is typically found through a process of elimination. If you're currently experiencing any symptoms of Multiple Myeloma, it's imperative that you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history and order further diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. 

The following diagnostic tests can help rule out or confirm a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis:

• Blood test - A blood test can detect the presence of abnormal proteins in your blood and determine your blood cell count 
• Imaging Tests - X-rays and MRI scans can be used to identify bone abnormalities that may be caused by Multiple Myeloma
• Bone marrow sample - A doctor may take a sample of your bone marrow to detect if myeloma cells are present
• A urine test - A urine test can help identify abnormal Myeloma proteins in your urine. 

Treatments for Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple Myeloma treatments focus on improving quality of life, reducing symptoms, and extending life expectancy. 

Standard Multiple Myeloma treatment options include:

• Targeted therapy - Special drug treatments can kill cancer cells and stop them from multiplying
• Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy utilizes your body's natural defense system to recognize and fight cancer cells. 
• Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy drugs help to kill cancer cells
• Corticosteroids - Corticosteroid medications reduce inflammation and help to regulate the immune system
• Bone marrow transplant - A bone marrow transplant replaces diseased bone marrow and rebuilds healthy bone marrow.
• Radiation therapy - High-powered energy beams are used to target and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can also be used to target tumors that are causing bone pain.

Although there is no cure for Multiple myeloma, it is possible to treat symptoms and extend your life expectancy. Knowing the symptoms of Multiple myeloma can help you to identify the disease earlier and make it easier to treat. 

If you're experiencing any Multiple myeloma symptoms, you should seek advice from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The outlook for Multiple myeloma patients is improving. New treatments and diagnostic procedures are being developed all the time, giving hope to sufferers around the world.