Sign 7: Anemia
Anemia, characterized by a shortage of red blood cells, is a frequent companion of multiple myeloma patients. Red blood cells are the body’s primary oxygen carriers. When their numbers dip, the entire system feels the strain.
The marrow, a spongy tissue inside bones, is the birthplace of red blood cells. However, myeloma cells, being the usurpers they are, crowd the bone marrow. This invasion limits the marrow’s capacity to produce red cells, leading to anemia. Furthermore, the abnormal proteins produced by myeloma cells can suppress the production of erythropoietin, a hormone essential for red cell production.
Anemia isn’t silent. Its effects are palpable. Patients might experience fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Even the heart, in its attempt to compensate for the reduced oxygen supply, might beat faster, leading to palpitations. (7)
