Multiple Myeloma: Early Signs of This Bone Marrow Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

June 11, 2026

Multiple Myeloma: Early Signs of This Bone Marrow Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
11 June, 2026

Multiple Myeloma Early Signs of This Bone Marrow Cancer You Shouldnt Ignore

Blood is a red fluid that is made of different components, plasma which is straw coloured and is the liquid in which all cells are present or suspended, the different cells- RBCs, WBCs, platelets, proteins and various solutes. The white blood cells are the ones which get affected in multiple myeloma. It is a pretty rare variant of blood cancer – where too many immature white blood cells or myeloid cells are produced in the bone marrow- crowding out normal cells. This can cause anemia and other issues.

You will need to talk to a blood cancer specialist at KIMS Sunshine Hospital if you show severe bone pain and cancer signs, which will be discussed in detail below.

Causes of Multiple Myeloma-

Multiple myeloma is normally not inherited- it can affect people in their later years, as a number of mutations accumulate with advancing age. Studies have shown that individuals in India are commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40-60 and it normally affects older adults.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma-

These are the common signs associated with this condition-

Severe bone pain in the spine, head, pelvis, upper legs and chest.
You may feel overly exhausted or tired because of anemia and poor oxygen availability.
Having low numbers of healthy white blood cells can translate to poor immunity – you may fall prey to even simple infections and fall sick more often.
You may suffer from neuropathy of the arms or legs.
Weight loss may occur.
You may vomit or feel nauseous often.

If you notice these multiple myeloma symptoms, please call a blood cancer specialist as soon as possible!

Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma-

Doctors normally begin by taking a detailed medical history to understand your symptoms and their severity. These are the common bone marrow cancer diagnosis tests used-

They will then ask you to get a blood test– to check for complete blood count (CBC). This can help them identify the problematic cells and their populations. They can also look for specific M proteins by doing serum electrophoresis- which separates proteins based on size and other chemical properties.
Urinalysis– Here, your urine sample is used to check for abnormal levels of proteins and any signs that your kidneys are not functioning normally.
Imaging – Using CT scans, X-rays or PET scans, doctors can look for damaged bones or masses in bones- which have abnormal myeloid cells.
Genetic testing may be recommended in some cases.
A bone marrow biopsy is confirmatory. A bone marrow aspiration test can also do the same.

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma-

Multiple myeloma treatment options include-

Stem cell transplant- Abnormal bone marrow is irradiated and then a fresh, healthy sample of bone marrow cells (that was collected before radiation and chemotherapy) is injected into the body. They can home in on your bone marrow and will slowly repopulate by producing all the blood cells needed for you to live normally. If you have healthy stem cells, then your own cells can be used as a form of treatment. This is called Autologous Stem Cell Treatment (ASCT).
Chemotherapy– This will come initially in your treatment regimen- and will help rid your bone marrow of abnormal myeloid cells.
Radiation therapy- These can irradiate bone tumours and reduce symptoms.
Targeted therapies– This is a specialised form of cancer treatment where the medications used work only on unhealthy, mutation carrying cells, as these engineered therapies will ‘target’ specific gene mutations.
Immunotherapy– CAR-T cells are used to help supplement your immune system in getting rid of abnormal cancer cells.
Steroids – High doses of steroids can help control inflammation and kill cancer cells too.
You will also be given painkillers, anti-emetics and antibiotics to help deal with pain, nausea or fight off infections.

Conclusion

Multiple myeloma is a cancer affecting bones and marrow and while most individuals go into deep remission with stem cell therapy, not everyone qualifies as a viable candidate. To learn more about how multiple myeloma screening is done, please reach out to us for a hematology oncology consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I consult an oncologist for possible multiple myeloma symptoms?

Consult an oncologist if you experience persistent bone pain, frequent fractures, unexplained fatigue, recurrent infections, anaemia, elevated calcium levels, or kidney problems. These symptoms can be associated with multiple myeloma and require prompt evaluation.

Which tests are used to diagnose multiple myeloma?

Diagnosis involves blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and a bone marrow biopsy. Blood tests measure abnormal proteins, calcium levels, kidney function, and blood cell counts. Imaging such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans helps identify bone damage. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the presence of abnormal plasma cells.

Can persistent bone pain be a sign of bone marrow cancer?

Yes, persistent bone pain is one of the most common symptoms of multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. The pain often occurs in the back, ribs, hips, or other weight-bearing bones and may be accompanied by fractures, weakness, or reduced mobility.

What are the latest treatment options for multiple myeloma?

Current treatment options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and CAR T-cell therapy for eligible patients. Treatment plans are tailored according to disease stage, overall health, and specific disease characteristics to achieve long-term disease control.

When is a bone marrow biopsy recommended?

A bone marrow biopsy is recommended when blood tests, urine tests, or imaging findings suggest multiple myeloma or another bone marrow disorder. The procedure helps determine the number and type of abnormal plasma cells present and provides essential information for confirming the diagnosis and planning treatment.