Myeloma (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

Early in the disease, symptoms may be subtle. The symptoms of myeloma generally are nonspecific, meaning they may be caused by many different conditions unrelated to cancer. Any of the following warrant a visit to a health care provider:

• Unexplained and constant pain, especially in the spine, ribs, pelvis, head, arm, or leg
  
  
• Constant fatigue or weakness
  
  
• Frequent infections
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
  
• Spontaneous bleeding or easy bruising
  
  
• Unexplained vision problems
  
  
• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Unexplained nausea or persistent vomiting
  
  
• Problems thinking or concentrating 
  
  
• Foamy urine  
  
  
• Unexpected spinal curvature or rapid loss of height 
  
  
• Unexplained chronic numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes

Sometimes, however, multiple myeloma is detected on blood tests in patients with no symptoms who visit the doctor for an unrelated reason.

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