Signs and Symptoms
Patients may experience no symptoms in the early stages
of multiple myeloma.1
When patients do experience symptoms, they commonly include1:
While there is no known way to prevent a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, risk factors of the disease include older age, male gender, African American ethnicity, a family history of multiple myeloma, the presence of excess body weight, and having other plasma cell diseases.1,2
As a nurse practitioner, understanding the signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma is paramount when diagnosing and managing individuals with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a complex disease, and every patient presents with unique challenges and needs. Recognizing these signs allows us to deliver personalized, comprehensive care that addresses both the disease and its impact on the patient’s overall well-being. From this understanding, we can move forward in collaborating with the rest of the healthcare team, with the steps needed to determine an official diagnosis of disease.
Donna D. Catamero, ANP‑BC, OCN, CCRC
References: 1. Multiple myeloma. Mayo Clinic. Updated July 30, 2024. Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/symptoms-causes/syc-20353378 2. Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma. American Cancer Society. Updated January 19, 2024. Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html