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Can multiple myeloma be mistaken for arthritis?

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Christopher Duran

Updated on February 17, 2026

Can multiple myeloma be mistaken for arthritis?

Common Symptoms Related to Multiple Myeloma

Diagnosing multiple myeloma may be difficult because it can mimic other illnesses, including arthritis, diabetes mellitus or influenza.

Consequently, what Can multiple myeloma be mistaken for?

Common Symptoms Related to Multiple Myeloma

Diagnosing multiple myeloma may be difficult because it can mimic other illnesses, including arthritis, diabetes mellitus or influenza.

Also, does multiple myeloma cause joint pain? Multiple myeloma can cause pain in affected bones – usually the back, ribs or hips. The pain is frequently a persistent dull ache, which may be made worse by movement.

In this regard, can arthritis be mistaken for cancer?

Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also result in soft tissue masses. Even metabolic conditions, such as hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels), can cause masses to form that may look like tumors.

What is the most definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of multiple myeloma?

The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood. If there are too many myeloma cells in the bone marrow, some of these blood cell levels can be low. The most common finding is a low red blood cell count (anemia).

Where does multiple myeloma start?

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It starts in your bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones. This is where your body makes blood cells, including a certain type called plasma cells. These cells can grow out of control and crowd out the normal, healthy ones in your bone marrow.

Can you live 20 years with multiple myeloma?

The SEER(Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) data for multiple myeloma has been published in 2013 by the National Cancer Institute, and the average life expectancy remains at 4 years for the third year in a row. However, some people beat the odds and live 10 to 20 years or more.

What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary and, early in the disease, there may be none. When signs and symptoms do occur, they can include: Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest. Nausea.

What do multiple myeloma lesions look like?

The classic radiographic appearance of multiple myeloma is that of multiple, small, well-circumscribed, lytic, punched-out, round lesions within the skull, spine, and pelvis. The pattern of lytic or punched-out radiolucent lesions on the skull have been described as resembling raindrops hitting a surface and splashing.

Does myeloma show up in blood work?

The following tests may be used to diagnose multiple myeloma: Blood and urine tests. Myeloma cells often secrete the antibody monoclonal immunoglobulin, known as M protein. M protein levels in a patient's blood and urine are used to determine the extent of the disease and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

How long can you have myeloma without knowing?

Some people have multiple myeloma for months or years before they even know they're sick. This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma. When you have it, you won't have any symptoms, but your test results will show: At least 10% to 59% of your bone marrow is made up of cancerous plasma cells.

What does the beginning of bone cancer feel like?

Primary bone cancer initially begins with a tender feeling in the affected bone. In general, bone cancer can be characterized by bone pain, inflammation, stiffness, fractures, and limping.

Can arthritis hurt all the time?

Overview. Many people who have arthritis or a related disease may be living with chronic pain. Pain is chronic when it lasts three to six months or longer, but arthritis pain can last a lifetime. It may be constant, or it may come and go.

What does cancer in the pelvis feel like?

The primary symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause, between menstrual periods, or as an excessively heavy menstrual period. Other symptoms may include: Pelvic pain or cramping, similar to menstrual pain. Rapidly growing fibroids and a feeling of fullness in the pelvic area.

Where does bone cancer usually start?

Bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Bone cancer is rare, making up less than 1 percent of all cancers. In fact, noncancerous bone tumors are much more common than cancerous ones.

Does bone cancer feel like arthritis?

Any bone can be affected, although bone cancer most often develops in the long bones of the legs or upper arms. The pain can sometimes be wrongly mistaken for arthritis in adults and growing pains in children and teenagers.

What type of cancer causes joint pain?

In leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the bone marrow (the inner, spongy part of large bones) can become filled with cancer cells, which can cause bone or joint pain. In myeloma, masses of cancer cells can form in the bone marrow, causing bone pain in the arms, legs, back, or chest.

How long can you have cancer without knowing?

If you're wondering how long you can have cancer without knowing it, there's no straight answer. Some cancers can be present for months or years before they're detected. Some commonly undetected cancers are slow-growing conditions, which gives doctors a better chance at successful treatment.

How can you tell the difference between muscle pain and bone pain?

Bone pain usually feels deeper, sharper, and more intense than muscle pain. Muscle pain also feels more generalized throughout the body and tends to ease within a day or two, while bone pain is more focused and lasts longer. Bone pain is also less common than joint or muscle pain, and should always be taken seriously.

How do they check for bone cancer?

X-rays. An x-ray of the bone is often the first test done if some type of bone tumor is suspected. Tumors might look “ragged” instead of solid on an x-ray, or they might look like a hole in the bone. Sometimes doctors can see a tumor that might extend into nearby tissues (such as muscle or fat).

What is the longest survival rate for myeloma?

How long can a person live with multiple myeloma?
Revised international staging systemMedian survival
Stage I62 months (5 years, 2 months)
Stage II42 months (3.5 years)
Stage III29 months (2 years, 5 months)

Is myeloma a death sentence?

Multiple myeloma was once considered a death sentence, but over the past 30 years, things have changed. Although multiple myeloma is still a very serious type of cancer, our ability to treat it is rapidly improving.

What are the symptoms of dying from myeloma?

Common signs and symptoms include:
  • Pathological fractures (bone fracture without a trauma history)
  • Bone pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Constipation.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Loss of weight.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weakness.

What causes bone pain in multiple myeloma?

Myeloma cells grow in the bone marrow and cortical bone, causing local bone damage or generalized thinning of the bone, which is called osteoporosis. This makes the bone more likely to break. The back or ribs are the most common sites of bone pain, but any bone can be affected.

Does multiple myeloma cause leg pain?

Nerve damage: Myeloma proteins can be toxic to your nerves. This can lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy that causes a pins-and-needles feeling, often in your legs and feet.

What are the three stages of multiple myeloma?

In this system, there are three stages of myeloma: Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III.

The stage depends on factors including:

  • The amount of myeloma cells in the body.
  • The amount of damage the myeloma cells have caused to the bone.
  • Levels of M-protein in the blood or urine.
  • Blood calcium levels.
  • Albumin and hemoglobin levels.

Is multiple myeloma a painful death?

Experiencing a Peaceful Passing

Accounts of those who have accompanied a loved one as they died from complications of multiple myeloma generally report a relatively calm death in which pain has been effectively managed.

Does myeloma cause itching?

This can lead to symptoms such as: Weakness. Shortness of breath. Itching.

Does multiple myeloma affect eyesight?

Background: The ophthalmic manifestations of multiple myeloma can be seen in practically every ocular structure. Ocular findings may be the first manifestations of the disease. It may also occur as one of the extramedullary manifestations of the disease or as the first sign of insufficient chemotherapy.

Can you have multiple myeloma with normal blood work?

Smoldering Myeloma

This term used to mean early myeloma that is not causing any symptoms or problems. Those with smoldering myeloma have normal blood counts, normal calcium levels, normal kidney function, and no bone or organ damage.

Can you gain weight with multiple myeloma?

Patients in a precancerous stage of multiple myeloma would be wise to avoid gaining extra weight, according to new research that shows being overweight or obese increases the risk that the condition progresses to cancer.

Is light chain myeloma aggressive?

When myeloma progresses, the myeloma cells start to produce more light chains than heavy chains. This can be measured by the Free Light Chain Assay test on a blood specimen. In general, the higher the free light chains, the more aggressive the disease is.

Does multiple myeloma cause low white blood cell count?

Multiple myeloma most commonly causes: Low red blood cell count (anemia), which can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. Low white blood cell count, which makes you more likely to get infections.

How high is calcium in multiple myeloma?

This is defined as a serum calcium level greater than 0.25 mmol/L above the upper limit of normal or a level that is greater than 2.75 mmol/L.

What is the most aggressive form of multiple myeloma?

Hypodiploid– Myeloma cells have fewer chromosomes than normal. This occurs in about 40% of myeloma patients and is more aggressive.

How treatable is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a treatable but incurable blood cancer that typically occurs in the bone marrow. It is a relatively uncommon cancer, affecting approximately 30,000 new people each year1. Difficult to diagnose until it is in the advanced stages, it is mainly treated with chemotherapy and stem cell therapies.

Is myeloma a terminal?

Treatment for myeloma can be very effective at controlling the disease, relieving its symptoms and complications, and prolonging life. Unfortunately, though, myeloma is currently an incurable (terminal) cancer. Myeloma is a relapsing-remitting cancer.

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