Why does multiple myeloma cause anemia

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide. Types of Cancer. Multiple Myeloma Guide. Net Guide Multiple Myeloma. Medical Illustrations. Risk Factors. Symptoms and Signs.

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Learn how to maintain a healthy diet to help fight…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. What causes anemia with multiple myeloma? What is the link between anemia and multiple myeloma treatment? How to treat anemia with multiple myeloma. Multiple Myeloma: Bone Pain and Lesions. Publication types Research Support, Non-U.

Gov't Review. Substances Recombinant Proteins Erythropoietin. It may continue to worsen until the cancer is discovered. Though SMM is typically slow-growing, patients may need frequent testing to monitor its progression.

As abnormal plasma cells grow, divide and take over the bone marrow, the likelihood of developing symptoms increases. Not only do abnormal plasma cells crowd out healthy bone marrow cells, damaging the bone, but they also release antibodies, M protein and other proteins into the blood, thickening it. Many people show symptoms of bone damage, bone loss and bone fracture.

Multiple myeloma may also lead to kidney damage and injury and dysregulated blood levels of antibodies and proteins. The bone damage associated with multiple myeloma occurs mostly in the rib cage, spine and pelvis, increasing the risk of spinal cord compression, which causes pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs and requires immediate treatment.

It may come on gradually or suddenly. As multiple myeloma progresses, other conditions develop. There are three significant conditions associated with multiple myeloma: amyloidosis, hypercalcemia and anemia.