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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffMultiple myeloma can result in several complications:
- Impaired immunity. Myeloma cells inhibit the production of antibodies needed for normal immunity. Having multiple myeloma may make you more likely to develop infections, such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bladder or kidney infections, skin infections, and shingles.
- Bone problems. Multiple myeloma also can affect your bones, leading to erosion of bone mass and fractures. The condition may cause compression of your spinal cord. Signs of this medical emergency include weakness, or even paralysis, in your legs.
- Impaired kidney function. Multiple myeloma may cause problems with kidney function, including kidney failure. Higher calcium levels in the blood related to eroding bones can interfere with your kidneys' ability to filter your blood's waste. The proteins produced by the myeloma cells can cause similar problems, especially if you become dehydrated.
- Anemia. As cancerous cells crowd out normal blood cells, multiple myeloma can also cause anemia and other blood problems.
References
- Rajkumar SV, et al. Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/145977116-5/856340478/1709/160.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50114-7_4940. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Konrad CN, et al. Multiple myeloma: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2008;78:853.
- Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for patients with high risk multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for symptomatic multiple myeloma in patients who are not candidates for transplantation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Treatment of the complications of multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Detailed guide: Multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy and other drugs. American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Multiple myeloma: Moving on after treatment. American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Richardson PG, et al. Management strategies for relapsed multiple myeloma: Therapy in practice. American Journal of Cancer. 2006;5:393.
- Detailed guide: Multiple myeloma. What are the risk factors for multiple myeloma? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Multiple myeloma: What are some questions I can ask my doctor? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Integrative medicine & complementary and alternative therapies as part of blood cancer care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1150734030.pdf. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Complementary and alternative methods for cancer management. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_1_Introduction.asp. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Rajkumar SV (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2008.
