Risk Factors, Complications, And Treatment Options For Multiple Myeloma

Bone Pain And Thinning Bones

Bone pain and thinning bones are both symptoms and complications that occur as a result of multiple myeloma. Healthy individuals have bones that are constantly going through a process of bone breakdown and rebuilding. In order for the bones to stay strong, healthy, and functional, the patient's body has to be able to keep a balance between both of those processes. Osteoclasts are cells responsible for breaking down old bone, while osteoblasts are cells responsible for laying the matrix to form new bone. Multiple myeloma patients develop a negative imbalance of this process in the body. The cancerous myeloma cells produce a compound that signals their osteoclasts to break down old bone faster than usual. This malfunction means old bone is dissolved before the osteoblasts are able to replace it. This process causes bone pain and weakness in affected individuals that often progresses to multiple bone breaks or fractures. In addition, the process of bone breakdown that is in overdrive in an affected individual can cause their blood calcium levels to become too high.