The most common symptoms of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM)

The most common symptoms of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) are:

Weakness

The most common symptom of WM is weakness. It can be caused by anemia (low red blood cells) which can happen when the lymphoma cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow. Some people also feel weak when the blood becomes thick from the abnormal protein.

Loss of appetite

About one-fourth of patients lose their appetite.

Fever

Lymphoma can cause fevers (without an infection), drenchin g night sweats, and weight
loss. Together, these 3 symptoms are called B-symptoms
.

Neuropathy

 The abnormal antibody in some people with WM can attack and damage nerves outside
the brain. This can lead to problems with numbness or a painful "pins and needles"
sensation in the feet and legs, which is called neuropathy

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia diagnosed

           If signs or symptoms suggest that a person may have Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), more exams and tests will be done.

                                                           Abnormal Protein in the Blood

Abnormal Protein in the Blood

 

The most important ones will look for the abnormal protein in the blood and the abnormal cells in the bone marrow.  You may find it confusing that this document on Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) also discusses ways to diagnose non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a type of lymphoma. Like other lymphomas, it invades the bone marrow, lymph nodes and other organs.

LYMPHOMA

LYMPHOMA CANCER

Lymphoma is a cancer of the Lymphocytes, 

  A type of cell that forms part of the Immune system. Typically, lymphoma is present as a solid tumor of lymphoid cells. 

Treatment might involve chemotherapy and in some cases radiotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation, and can be curable depending on the histology, type, and stage of the disease.

 [1] These malignant cells often originate in lymph nodes, presenting as an enlargement of the node (a tumor). It can also affect other organs in which case it is referred to as extranodal lymphoma. Extranodal sites include the skin, brain, bowels and bone. Lymphomas are closely related to lymphoid leukemias, which also originate in lymphocytes but typically involve only circulating blood and the bone marrow (where blood cells are generated in a process termed haematopoesis) and do not usually form static tumors.

 There are many types of lymphomas, and in turn, lymphomas are a part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.

How is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia diagnosed?

How is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia diagnosed? 
If signs or symptoms suggest that a person may have Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
(WM), more exams and tests will be done. The most important ones will look for the
abnormal protein in the blood and the abnormal cells in the bone marrow. 
You may find it confusing that this document on WM also discusses ways to diagnose
non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But WM is a type of lymphoma. Like other lymphomas, it
invades the bone marrow, lymph nodes and other organs.

Signs and symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms of people with WM are similar to those of people with
other types of non-Hod gkin lymphomas (NHL) . For ex ample, weight loss, fever, night
sweats, and swollen lymph nodes can be seen in many types of NHL. 
Other WM symptoms are caused by the  abnormal antibody produced b y the cancer cells.
In  hyperviscosity syndrome , too much of this protein can cause the blood to become too
"thick." (This is not the kind of thickness that can be treated with drugs known as "blood
thinners.") When the blood gets too thick, it has trouble traveling throu gh b lood vessels.
This causes poor circulation to the brain which can lead to problems similar to a stroke. 
If the abnormal protein only causes the blood to become thick at cooler temperatures (like
in the hands and feet), it is called a  cryoglobulin . Cryoglobulins can cause the hands and
feet to become painful in cool temperatures. 
A condition called  amyloidosis  occurs when a p art of the abnormal antibody (called the
light chain) builds up in organs like the heart and kidneys. The protein buildup can
interfere with the function of these organs, leading to heart and kidney problems.
Not all patients with WM develop hyperviscosity, cryoglobulins or amyloidosis.

The most common symptoms of WM are:

Weakness :

The most common symptom of WM is weakness. It can be caused b y anemia (low red
blood cells) which can happen when the lymphoma cells crowd out normal cells in the
 bone marrow. Some people also feel weak when the blood becomes thick from the
abnormal protein.

Loss of appetite
About one-fourth of p atients lose their appetite.

Fever
Lymphoma can cause fevers (without an infection), drenchin g night sweats, and weight
loss. Together, these 3 symptoms are called  B-symptoms .

Neuropathy
The abnormal antibody in some people with WM can attack and damage nerves outside
the brain. This can lead to problems with numbness or a painful "pins and needles"
sensation in the feet and legs, which is called Neuropathy

Other problems include:

Enlarged lymph nodes
These will usually appear as bumps under the skin around the neck, in the  groin, or in the
armpits. Enlarged lymph nodes are usually about 1 or 2 inches in size in WM, but can be
bigger in other lymphomas. 

Swollen abdomen
Lymphoma can cause the spleen or liver to enlarge, making the belly look swollen. In the
upper part of the abdomen, the liver is on the right and the spleen on the lef t. When the
spleen gets larger, it can press on the stomach —  which makes people  feel full when they
eat only a small amount.

Nervous system symptoms
In hyperviscosity syndrome, the thickened blood causes poor brain circulation leading to
problems like headache, confusion, and dizziness. It can also cause symptoms like those
seen with a stroke, including slurred speech and weakness on one side of the body.
Patients with these symptoms should contact their doctor right away. 
 
Abnormal bleeding
High levels of abnormal antibody protein can damage blood vessels. Nosebleeds and  bleeding gums are common symptoms of people with WM.
 
Vision problems 
Bleeding around the small blood vessels inside the eyes might cause blurred vision or
blind spots.  If the blood becomes thick from the abnormal antibody protein, it leads to
slow circulation through the blood vessels in the eye, which can also interfere with
vision. 

Kidney problems 
 
WM can damage the kidneys in 2 ways. First of all, the abnormal antibody protein can
damage the kidneys directly. Secondly, if amyloidosis develops, the abnormal protein
builds up in the kidneys, so they don't work well. When the kidneys aren't working well,
excess salt, fluid, and body waste products stay in the blood. The resulting symptoms
include weakn ess, trouble breathin g, and fluid buildup in body tissues.
 
Heart problems
 
There are several causes of heart problems in WM. High levels of abnormal antibody
protein can directly damage h eart tissue. Also, in amyloidosis, this abnormal protein
builds up in the heart muscle. This makes the heart weaker  and impairs its ability to pump
blood properly. In addition, because the blood of people with WM is "thicker" than
normal, their hearts have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This strain
can cause the heart to "wear out," a condition called     congestive heart failure . Symptoms
of congestive heart failure include weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the f eet
and legs. 

Infections 

The high levels of abnormal antibody in WM "turn-off" normal antibody production.
This makes it harder for the body to resist infections.  

Laboratory tests 
 
The diagnosis of WM may  be suspected if your doctor finds low blood counts or unusual
protein levels on blood tests. This is followed by a test to characterize the proteins called
serum electrophoresis . It is usually only  after these tests are done that  a biopsy of either
the bone marro w or a lymph node is considered.
Blood counts The complete blood  count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white
cells, and platelets in the blood. If the lymphoma  cells occupy too much of the bone marrow, these levels will be low. 

Quantitative immunoglobulins

                 This test measures the blood levels of the different antibodies. There are several different types of antibodies in the blood: IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM. The levels of these
immunoglobulins are measured to see if any are abnormally high or low. In WM the level
of IgM is high but the IgG level is often low. 
 
Electrophoresis

 
         The immunoglobulin produced in WM is IgM. It is abnormal because it is monoclonal —
meaning that it is just many copies of the ex act same antibody. Serum protein
 
            electrophoresis (or SPEP) is a test that measures the total amount of immunoglobulins in
the blood and finds any abnormal (monoclonal) immunoglobulin. Then, another test, such
as immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis, is used to determine the type of antibody
that is abnormal (IgM or some other type). 
             Finding a monoclonal IgM immunoglobulin in the blood is necessary to make a diagnosis
of WM. The abnormal protein in WM is known by several differ ent names, including
monoclonal immunoglobulin M ,  IgM protein ,  IgM spike ,  IgM paraprotein , and  M-spike .
Other typ es of monoclonal immunoglobulins, like IgA or IgG, are seen in different
disorders (like multiple myeloma  and some lymphomas). 
              Sometimes pieces of the IgM protein are excreted by the kidneys into the urine. The
procedure used for finding that protein is called     urine protein electrophoresis  (or UPEP). 

Viscosity

Viscosity measures how thick the blood is. If the IgM level is too high, it will cause the
blood to become thick (viscous) so that it can't flow freely. Think about pouring honey
compared to pouring water. If the blood becomes too thick, the brain doesn't get enough
blood and oxygen. This can be treated with plasmapheresis. 

Cryocrit

This tests the blood for a cryoglobulin (a protein that causes the blood to clump together
in cool temperatures). 

Beta-2-microglobulin

This is another protein produced by the cancer cells in WM. This protein itself doesn't
cause any problems, but it is a useful indicator of a patient’s pro gnosis (outlook). High
levels mean a poor outlook. 

Types of biopsies 
The symptoms of WM and NHL are not unique enough for a doctor to know for certain if
cancer is present. Most symptoms can also be caused by non-can cerous problems like
infections or by other kinds of cancers. A biopsy is the only way to make an accurate
diagnosis. There are several biopsy procedu res. Doctors choose which to use based on the
unique aspects of each patient's situation. 

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

This test is necessary to diagnose WM. It can be done at the doctor's office or at the
hospital. First, an area at the back of the hip/pelvis bone is numbed with a local
anesthetic. Then, to do the bone marrow aspiration, a needle is inserted into the bone, and
a syringe is used to remove some bone marrow. Even with the numbing medicine, this
often causes a brief, sharp pain.

For the bone marrow biopsy, a needle is used to remove a cylinder of bone and marrow,
about 1/16-inch across and 1-inch long. With the numbing medicine, most patients feel
pressure for this part, but not pain. 

There is some soreness in the biopsy area when the numbing medicine wears off. Most
patients can go home immediately after the procedure. The bone marrow is then
examined under the microscope (by a doctor called a     pathologist ) to see if lymphoma
cells are p resent. In WM, at least 10% of the  cells in the bone marrow are
lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma. 

Fine needle aspiration biopsy 

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy uses a very thin needle with a syringe to withdraw a
small amount of tissue from a tumor or lymph node. The doctor can  aim the needle  while
feeling an enlarged node near the surface of the body. If the tumor is deep inside the
body, the needle can be guided while it is viewed by a computed tomography (CT) scan
(see the descriptions of imaging tests later in this section). 
The main advantage of FNA is that the patient will not require surgery for this procedure.
The disadvantage is that in some cases the thin needle cannot remov e enough tissue for a
definite diagnosis of lymphoma. However, adv ances in performin g flow  cytometry and
molecular genetic studies (discussed later in this section) and the growing experience of
many doctors with FNA have improved the  accu racy of this procedure. 
FNA is very useful in diagnosing cancers that have spread to nodes from other organs
and in identifying nodes swollen by infection that don’t need to be removed. FNA is
useful in diagnosing some lymphomas, but it is less helpful for WM because the
diagnosis is usually made with a bone marrow biopsy.
 
Fat pad aspiration

In this procedure, a needle with a syringe attached is inserted into an area of fat (usually
the skin of the abdomen/belly). Then, a small amount of fat is removed and sent to the lab
for testing. This may be used in WM to check for amyloid. 

Excisional or incisional biopsy

For these types of biopsies, a surgeon cuts through the skin to remove an entire lymph
node or tumor (excisional biopsy) or a just a small part of a large tumor or lymph node
(incisional biopsy). If  the area to b e biopsied is near the skin surface, this can be done
using just a local anesthesia (numbing medicine). If the area is inside the chest or
abdomen, general an esthesia or deep sedation is used (the patient is asleep). The
excisional and incisional methods almost always provide enough tissue to diagnose the
exact type of lymphoma. These biopsies ar e rarely needed in people with WM because
the diagnosis is usually made with a bone marrow biopsy. They are used more often for
other types of lymphoma.

Laboratory tests on biopsy specimens  
 
All biopsy specimens are examined under a microscope b y a pathologist – a doctor with
special training in recognizing cells from blood and lymphoid tissue diseases. The doctor
looks at the size and shape of the cells and how the cells are  arranged in the  lymph node
or bone marrow. Sometimes this exam does not provide a definite answer and other
laboratory tests are needed.
 
Immunohistochemistry

In this test, a part of the biopsy sample is treated with special laboratory antibodies so
that certain types of cells change color. The color change can be seen under a
microscope. This test may be helpful in distinguishing different types of lymphoma from
one another and from other diseases.
 
Flow cytometry

In this test, cells are treated with special laboratory antibodies and passed in front of a
laser beam. Each  antibody sticks only to certain types of cells.  If the sample contains
those cells, the laser light will cause them to give off light of a different color, which is
measured exactly and analyzed by a computer. Th is test can help determine whether
lymph node swelling is because of lymphoma, some other can cer, or a non -cancerous
disease. It has become increasin gly important in helping doctors determine the exact type
of lymphoma so they can select the best treatment.
Cytogenetics

For this technique, cells (usually from the bone marrow) are  cultured in the lab to get
them to divide so that the chromosomes can be seen. Then the chromosomes are stained
and a microscop e is used to examine them. Because it takes time for the cells to start
dividing, this test can take weeks.
Normal human cells each contain 46 chromosomes (pieces of DNA that co ntrol the cells’
growth and metabolism). In some lymphomas, part of one chromosome is attached to part
of a different chromosome, this is called a  translocation . In WM it is more common for
the lymphoma cells to be missing part of a chromosome (called  a       deletion ) .
 
Molecular genetic studies

These tests are not usually necessary to diagnose WM, but are sometimes used to
diagnose  other types of  NHL. These tests look at the cells’ DNA without having to  gro w
the cells in the lab first, and can be done on cells from different sources (like lymph
nodes, blood, and bone marrow)._Th ey are generally used to look for certain genetic
changes, not just any change.
One test that can be done is to look at the DNA that contains information on each  cell's
antigen receptors. Normal lymphoid tissue contains cells with many different antigen

receptors, helping the body respond to many types of infection. Because lymphoma starts
from a single abnormal cell, all cells in each patient have the same antigen receptor. This
is a complex test and may not be needed in every case.
Tests of lymphoma cell DNA can also find chromosome changes that are characteristic of
certain types of NHL. This can be helpful in determining what kind of lymphoma is
present. 
Usually genetic tests aren't needed to diagnose WM, but they may be very useful for
research.
 
Imaging tests
Imaging tests may be done to look for an enlarged spleen and lymph nod es. Finding these
is not needed to diagnose WM.
Chest x-ray

Plain x-rays may detect enlarged lymph nodes in the chest.
 
Computed tomography 

The computed tomography (CT) scan is an x-ray procedure that produces  detailed cross-
sectional images of your  body.  Instead of taking one picture, like a conventional x-ray, a
CT scanner tak es many pictures as it rotates around you. A computer then combines these
pictures into an image of a slice of  your bod y. The machine creates multiple images of
the part of your body that is being studied. A CT scan is useful for looking at lymphoma
in the abdomen, pelvis, and chest.
You may be asked to drink 1 to 2 pints of a solution of contrast material before the scan.
This helps outline the intestine so that it is not mistaken for tumors. You may also receive
an intravenous (IV, in the vein) line through which a different contrast dye is injected.
This helps better outline structures in your body. The injection can  cause a feeling of
warmth throughout the body (flushing). Some people are allergic to the IV contrast and
get hives. Rarely, more serious reactions like trouble breathing and low blood pressure
can occur. Medication can be given to prevent and treat allergic  reactions. Be sure to tell
the doctor if you have ever had a  reaction to any contrast material used for x-rays. 
CT scans can tak e longer than regular x-rays. You must lie still on a table while they are
being done. But many just take a few minutes. You might feel a bit confined by the
machine you lie in when the pictures are being tak en.
CT scans can also be used to precisely guide a bio psy needle into an enlarged lymph
node. For this procedure, called a  CT-guided needle biopsy , the patient remains on the CT
scanning table while a radiologist moves a biopsy needle toward the mass. CT scans are
repeated until the doctors are sure that the needle is within the mass. A fine needle biopsy
(tiny fragment of tissue) or a core needle biopsy  (a thin cylinder of tissue about ½-inch

long and less than 1/8-inch in diameter) sample is removed and examined under a
microscope.
 
Magnetic resonance imaging 

Magnetic resonance imagin g (MRI) scans use rad io waves and strong magnets instead of
x-rays. The  energy from the radio waves is absorbed and then released in a pattern
formed by the type of tissue and by certain diseases. A computer translates the pattern of
radio waves  given off by the tissues into a very detailed image of parts of the body.  Not
only does this produce cross-sectional slices of the body like a CT scanner, it can also
produce slices that are parallel with the length of your body. Sometimes a contrast
material is injected into a vein to make some structures clearer. This contrast is not the
same as the contrast used for CT scans, but allergic reactions can still occur . Again,
medicine can b e given to prevent and treat allergic reactions. 
MRI scans are helpful in examining the brain and spinal cord. MRI scans  are a little more
uncomfortable than CT scans. First, they take longer -- about an hour. Also, you have to
lie inside a tube, which is confining and can upset people with a fear of enclosed spaces.
The machine also makes a thumping noise that some people find disturbing. Some places
provide headphones with music to block this noise out. If you have problems with close
spaces (claustrophobia), you should let your docto r know befo re the MRI scan.
Positron emission tomography 

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses a form of sugar (glucose) that has a
radioactive atom. A special camer a can detect the radioactivity. Cancer  cells absorb
higher  amounts of the radioactive sugar than normal tissue does because of their high rate
of metabolism. PET is useful to look for lymphoma throughout your body. It is
sometimes used to tell if an enlarged lymph node contains lymphoma or is benign. This
can be helpful after treatment to see if an enlar ged lymph node still contains lymphoma
or is merely scar tissue.  

Can Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia be prevented? / Can Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia be found early?

 Can Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia be prevented? 

Most of the risk factors for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), such as aging  or
monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, cannot be  changed or controlled
by a person. For these  reasons, there is no known way to prevent this disease.
Some patients with hepatitis C go on to develop WM. There is currently no treatment to
prevent this from occurring, but taking steps to avoid hepatitis C infection might be able
to lower the chance of getting WM.


Can Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia be
found early?

Many cases of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) are found early, but at this time,
no special tests are recommended to do so. The best strateg y for early diagnosis is prompt
attention to the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Do we know what causes Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

Do we know what causes Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

                    Scientists have made great progress in understanding how certain chan ges in DNA can cause normal lymphocytes to become lymphoma or multiple myeloma cells. They are
also beginning to understand how chan ges in the DNA of some lymphomas cause their
 cells to produce high levels of IgM, which causes  most of the symptoms of Waldenstrom
macroglobulinemia (WM). 
                DNA is the chemical that carries the instructions for nearly  everything our cells do. We
resemble our parents because they are the sour ce of our DNA. But DNA  affects more
than the way we look. Some  genes  (parts of our DNA) contain instructions for controlling
when cells grow  and divide. Certain gen es that promote cell division are called
oncogenes . Others that slow down cell division or cause cells to die at the right time are
called  tumor suppressor genes .

                    We know that cancers can be  caused by DNA     mutations   (defects or changes) that  turn on oncogenes o r turn off tumor suppressor genes. Some  people with certain types of cancer have DNA changes they inherited from a parent,  which increased their  risk for the disease. Researchers are stud ying families that have  many cases of WM to try to find the gene that may cause this disorder in some people.  Many changes in DNA have been found in WM cells. These DNA changes are usually acquired after birth (not passed on from a parent). Acquired changes may result from exposure to something in the environment, such as radiation or cancer-causing chemicals.
Often these changes o ccur for no app arent r eason. Ever y time a cell prepares to divide
into 2 new cells, it must duplicate its DNA. This process is not perfect and sometimes
copying errors o ccur. Fortunately,  cells have     repair enzymes  that "proofread" DNA.  But
some errors may slip past, especially if the  cells are growing rapidly.
Human DNA is packaged in 23 pairs of chromosomes. Sometimes, a piece of a
chromosome is missing - this is called a  deletion . The most common defect seen in WM
is a deletion of part of  chromosome 6. Another type of chromosome defect in WM is
called a  translocation.  In a translocation, a piece of one chromosome becomes attached to
a different chromosome.  Chromosome changes like these can cause oncogenes to be
turned on or tumor suppressor genes turned off. 

               Researchers have found that some patients with WM have important chan ges or defects
in other bone marrow cells. These changes may also cause excess growth of the cancer
cells. Certain cells in the bone marrow called  d endritic cells  release a hormone called
interleukin-6 (IL-6) that helps normal plasma cells and plasmacytoid lymp hocytes grow.
Excess IL-6 p roduction by  these cells appears to be an important factor in the
development of WM. 

What are the risk factors for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

What are the risk factors for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

A  risk factor  is anything that affects your chance  of getting a disease su ch as cancer.
Different can cers have different risk factors. For example, unprotected exposure to strong
sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for man y  cancers.
Researchers have found  a few risk factors that make a person more likely to develop
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). But most people with these risk f actors nev er
develop the disease. Even if a patient with WM does have one  or more risk factors, it is
impossible to know for sure how much that risk factor contributed to causing the  cancer.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance 
Monoclonal gammopathy of und etermined significance (MGUS) is an  abnormality of
antibody-producing cells that is related to multiple myeloma and WM. In MGUS, like
WM and multiple myeloma, abnormal cells in the bone marrow make a large amount of
one particular antibody -- this is called a  monoclonal gammopathy . As long as the patient
has no problems from the abnormal cells or the  antibody, it is called        MGUS . Generally,
the abnormal cells in MGUS make up less than 10% of the bone marrow and the amount
of abnormal protein in the blood is not very high (<3g/dl). In most cases, MGUS causes
no health problems, but up to 25% of people with MGUS will go on to be diagnosed  with
a cancer o r related seriou s health problem (like multiple myeloma, WM, another
lymphoma, or amyloidosis) over the 20 years after diagnosis.
Age
The risk of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia goes up with age. It is rare among people younger than 50 years old. 
Race
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is more common among whites than among African  Americans. In contrast,
multiple myeloma is about twice as common among African Americans as white
Americans. The reasons for these differences are not known. 
Sex
Men are more likely than women to develop this disease.
Heredity
Genetic factors may play a role. In one study,  about 5% of patients with WM had a close
relative with the disease, and another 15% of WM patients had a relative with another
type of lymphoma.
Hepatitis C
A recent study has shown that people with chronic hepatitis C infection develop WM
more than twice as often as people without the virus.

What are the key statistics about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

What are the key statistics about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is very rare, with an incidence rate of about 6
cases per million people per year in the United States. About 1,000 to 1,500 people are
diagnosed with WM each year in the United States. 
It is almost twice as common in men as it is in women, and is rare among African
Americans. There are  few cases of WM in younger people, but the  chance of developing
this disease increases as people age.  About 7 in 10 cases of WM ar e diagn osed in those
over the age of 65.

Cells responsible for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Cells responsible for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

WM is a cancer o f B  cells. The cancer  cells in people with WM are similar to those of 2
other types of cancer: multiple myeloma and non- Hodgkin lymphoma. Multiple myeloma
is considered a cancer of  plasma cells and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of
lymphocytes. WM cells have features of both plasma cells and lymphocytes and are
called  lymphoplasmacytoid.  These cells produce large amounts of an abnormal type of a
certain antibody protein (immunoglobulin M, or IgM) that causes many of the symptoms
of WM, including excessive bleeding, problems with vision, and nervous system
problems.

What is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a type of non-Hod gkin lympho ma (NHL) that
produces large amounts of an abnormal protein (called a macroglobulin ). Another name
for WM is lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. This condition used to be called
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia , so some people refer to it as  Waldenstrom's . 
The lymphoma cells in WM grow mainly in the bone marrow, where they can crowd out
the normal cells that make the different blood cells. This can lead to low levels of red
blood cells (called  anemia ), which can make peop le feel tired and weak. It can also cause
low numbers of white blood cells, which makes it hard for the body to fight infection.
The numbers of platelets in the blood can also drop, leading to increased bleeding and
bruising. 
Lymphoma cells can also grow in organs like the liver and spleen, causin g these organs
to swell, leading to abdo minal pain. The macroglobulin made by the lymp homa cells can
cause other problems as well. 

Macroglobulinemia, Waldenström (Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia)

" Deatails of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia"

• What is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?  

• Cells responsible for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• What are the key statistics about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

• What are the risk factors for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

• Do we know what causes Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

• Can Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia be prevented?

• Can Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia be found early?

• How is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia diagnosed?

• The most common symptoms of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• Other problems include

• How is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia staged?

• Survival rates for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• How is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia treated?

• Biological therapy or immunotherapy for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• Plasmapheresis for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia 

• Stem cell transplantation for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia 

• Radiation therapy for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia 

• Clinical trials for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• Complementary and alternative therapies for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• What exactly are complementary and alternative therapies?

• When to treat people with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• What if Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia doesn't respond or if it comes back after treatment?

• What should you ask your doctor about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

• Lifestyle changes after having Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia 

• How does having Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia affect
  your emotional health?

• If treatment for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia stops working 

• What's new in Waldenstrom
  macroglobulinemia research and treatment?

• Additional resources for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia 

• References for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia