How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?
Multiple myeloma is not always easy to diagnose. There is no one test to be performed. Instead, doctors consider many things, like symptoms you may be feeling and the results from a variety of tests.
What is C.R.A.B. ?
C.R.A.B. is an acronym used to describe the most common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma. It stands for Calcium, Renal, Anemia, and Bone. Because multiple myeloma weakens the body’s defense system (the immune system), it may also be accompanied by infections.
Common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma:
Calcium
Too much calcium in your blood
- You may feel very tired or confused.
- You may feel nauseated or even vomit.
- You may lose your appetite.
- You may urinate more often.
Renal
Kidney problems, sometimes called renal problems
- You may feel very tired or confused.
- You may feel nauseated or even vomit.
- You may lose your appetite, urinate more often, and have high blood pressure.
Anemia
Too few oxygen-carrying cells in your blood
You may feel very tired or dizzy, have headaches often, get out of breath easily, or feel cold frequently.
Bone
Bone problems
You may feel bone pain, which may be a sign of bone fractures.
how doctors test for multiple myeloma in this video from HealthTree Foundation
