symptoms of multiple myeloma - tennessee...
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S Y M P T O M S & D I A G N O S I S 43
S y m p t o m s o f M u l t i p l e M y e l o m a
A number of signs or symptoms related to multiple myeloma, such as fractures, bone
pain, fatigue, swelling and weakness, may lead a patient to seek medical advice.[ ]
OSTEOCLAST
CALCIUM
MYELOMA CELL
M PROTEIN
[SPINE] Normally, bone is remodeled
through the actions of osteoclasts, which
break down old bone, and osteoblasts, which
produce new bone. Myeloma cells disrupt
this process by producing a substance that
accelerates osteoclasts to break down
bone. Thus, patients with multiple myeloma
are susceptible to weak bones that can
fracture easily.
[KIDNEYS] Typically, the kidneys
dispose of excess fluids and waste
through urine. Myeloma cells can produce
high levels of an abnormal protein, called
M protein, that build up in the kidneys
and cause injury. As a result, the kidneys
may be unable to excrete excess salt,
fluids and body waste, causing swelling
and metabolic abnormalities.
BONE DAMAGE
M PROTEIN BUILDUP
SPINE >
KIDNEY>
ILLUSTRATION BY PAM CURRYORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN CURE’S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE SECOND EDITION, 2013©CURE Media Group For patient handouts only