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.
