What symptom is typically associated with multiple myeloma?

Bone pain is a hallmark symptom of multiple myeloma and arises due to the destructive effects of myeloma cells on the bone tissue. As these malignant plasma cells proliferate within the bone marrow, they lead to lesions and potential fractures, resulting in significant discomfort and pain. This osteolytic process can cause localized pain and may affect various skeletal areas, commonly the spine, ribs, and long bones.

While severe headaches, weight loss, and neurological deficits can occur in the context of multiple myeloma, they are not as characteristic or predominant as bone pain. Severe headaches may be related to other conditions or complications, weight loss can arise from a variety of underlying issues or cancer types, and neurological deficits might occur secondary to complications like hypercalcemia or spinal cord compression but do not serve as primary indicators of the disease. Therefore, bone pain stands out as the most typical and direct symptom associated with multiple myeloma.