It is commonly believed that a bone fractures due to accidents, falls, or even sports injuries. However, doctors now say that when a bone breaks without significant trauma, it could also signal a serious, life-threatening underlying medical condition. In rare but important cases, unexplained fractures may be an early warning sign of Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that weakens bones from the inside.
Times Now Health spoke with Dr. Raman Narang, Medical oncologist, MOC Cancer Care and research centre, who emphasized that such a condition - known as pathological fracture, occurs when bones become fragile due to disease rather than injury. “In certain cases, they can be an early warning sign of an underlying medical condition such as multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow,” he said.
Normally, bones are strong and capable of handling everyday stress. But in certain conditions, the internal structure of bone becomes weakened. In people with multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably inside the bone marrow. These abnormal cells release chemicals that disturb the balance between bone formation and bone breakdown.
“Over time, this process weakens the bones and creates areas of bone loss known as lytic lesions. As a result, bones become fragile and may fracture even during routine activities such as lifting an object, bending, or sometimes even coughing,” said Dr. Narang. In many cases, these fractures can occur during routine activities like:
Experts say among the biggest challenges that you may face with multiple myeloma is that early symptoms are either subtle or mistaken for other common orthopedic problems, and you may experience:
Detecting multiple myeloma early can significantly improve outcomes. Advances in modern medicine have dramatically improved treatment options for patients living with this cancer. Current therapies include:
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