Causes of Normocytic Anemia: Is It Myeloma or Throat Bleeding? - Oncology

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Normocytic anemia, characterized by red blood cells that are normal in size but reduced in number, can arise from a variety of causes, including acute blood loss, chronic disease, and bone marrow disorders such as multiple myeloma. In your case, the recent throat bleeding and the subsequent findings of mild normocytic anemia raise important questions about the underlying cause of your anemia.

The acute bleeding from your throat, which resulted in significant blood loss, is a likely contributor to your anemia. When blood is lost acutely, the body may not have enough time to compensate, leading to a drop in hemoglobin levels. The fact that your blood tests showed normal iron levels and coagulation function suggests that the bleeding was not due to a coagulopathy or iron deficiency, which are common causes of anemia. Instead, it appears that the bleeding itself is the most plausible explanation for your normocytic anemia at this time.

On the other hand, multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy that can also lead to anemia, often due to the infiltration of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, which disrupts normal hematopoiesis. However, the development of multiple myeloma typically occurs over a longer period and is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as bone pain, renal dysfunction, and hypercalcemia. The fact that your previous health check in March showed normal results and that you only recently developed anemia in August makes it less likely that multiple myeloma is the primary cause of your current condition, especially given the acute nature of your throat bleeding.

It is also important to consider that multiple myeloma can sometimes present with normocytic anemia, but it usually does not develop overnight. The progression from a normal state to a pathological one like multiple myeloma typically involves a series of changes that can be detected through blood tests and imaging studies over time. Therefore, while it is theoretically possible for multiple myeloma to develop in a short time frame, it is relatively uncommon.

In your case, the immediate cause of your anemia appears to be the acute blood loss from your throat, rather than an underlying malignancy like multiple myeloma. However, it is crucial to continue monitoring your health, especially if you experience any new symptoms or if your anemia does not resolve with time. Follow-up blood tests in a few months, as suggested by your healthcare provider, will help determine if your hemoglobin levels return to normal and if further investigation is needed.

In summary, while both throat bleeding and multiple myeloma can lead to normocytic anemia, the acute nature of your symptoms and the context of your recent health history strongly suggest that your anemia is primarily due to the recent bleeding rather than an underlying malignancy. It is advisable to maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.