Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, or white blood cells, that protect our bodies from infection by producing antibodies. There are 3 types of myeloma, including multiple myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma, and extramedullary plasmacytoma. This cancer sets itself apart from other types as it’s relapsing remitting, commonly with multiple myeloma. This means that there are times when this cancer is active and requires treatments, and times when it is steady and under control. Myeloma treatments include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, bone marrow transplant, radiation therapy, and more. Like other cancers, when caught early on, myeloma treatments are more successful—here are some early warning signs to look out for:

1. Bone problems

Bone problems are an early warning sign of myeloma. This occurs due to myeloma cells growing in the bone marrow and bone. Issues with bones typically include bone pain, bone weakness, or broken bones. With bone pain, one may experience uncomfortable feelings in any bone—most commonly this affects the back, hips, and skull. Bone weakness occurs as a result of an onset of osteoporosis which thins the bone. Lastly, broken bones can happen more easily, even from minor stress or injuries.

2. Chronic infections

Since white blood cells protect our bodies from infection by producing antibodies, myeloma, which inhibits their functionality, can result in more chronic infections. This includes infections like pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and more. These infections can be very serious as the body has a hard time healing itself, making getting sick dangerous. If you find yourself getting sick frequently, or your illnesses are prolonged and symptoms are severe, you should visit your doctor.

3. Low blood cell counts

Shortages of blood cells, not just white blood cells, but also red blood cells or blood platelets, are common with myeloma. These low blood cell counts can result in other issues, such as anemia, a reduced number of red blood cells that cause weakness and dizziness; leukopenia, a decreased amount of white blood cells which makes infections more common; and thrombocytopenia, low blood platelet counts that can cause prolonged or serious bleeding even with minor cuts or scrapes.

4. High blood levels of calcium

High levels of calcium, or hypercalcemia, is a result of bone destruction from tumors—this destruction causes the bones to release extra calcium into the bloodstream. This can have serious consequences and symptoms, such as extreme thirst, dehydration, kidney problems or kidney failure, severe constipation, abdomen pain, weakness, confusion, and more. If your calcium levels get high enough, this could even cause you to slip into a coma.

5. Nervous system issues

If you’re experiencing sudden and severe back pain, leg numbness or numbness in other limbs, and weakness in the legs or other muscles, this can be a sign of myeloma. Myeloma can cause issues with the nervous system if weak bones in the spine collapse and put pressure on spinal nerves, also known as spinal cord compression. This is a very serious symptom, so if you experience this at all, you should seek medical attention immediately.