Symptom 4: Kidney Complications
Plasma cell leukemia, in its advancement, can usher in a series of complications, with the kidneys often bearing the brunt. Kidneys, the body’s natural filtration system, can get overwhelmed by the excessive proteins produced by the malignant plasma cells. These proteins can lead to blockages, affecting the kidneys’ function.
Initial signs might manifest as seemingly innocuous symptoms like frothy urine. However, as the condition escalates, more evident signs like reduced urine output or even swelling in the ankles and legs can become apparent. This swelling is due to fluid retention, a direct consequence of compromised kidney functions.
The deteriorating kidney function can have cascading effects on the body. Toxins, which the kidneys would typically filter out, begin to accumulate, leading to a general feeling of being unwell. If unchecked, this can escalate, leading to severe kidney diseases or even kidney failure.
Paying heed to such symptoms and seeking timely interventions can be a game-changer. Ensuring regular kidney function tests and keeping a vigilant eye on any anomalies in urine or swelling can guide the treatment trajectory, potentially averting severe complications. (4)
