Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare disorder involving
enlargement of the liver and spleen associated with anemia (low
blood count), nose bleeding, and an abnormal blood protein. It is
named after Professor Jan Waldenström, who first described
patients who were experiencing these symptoms. His description
contains most of the clinical features of the disorder. Symptoms
include numbness or tingling in the hands or feet,nose bleeding
and fatigue.
Mayo Clinic doctors have extensive experience in treating
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and are therefore able to determine
the point at which a person crosses the line from simply having an
incidental protein into having Waldenström macroglobulinemia in
need of treatment. The development of progressive anemia or
enlarged lymph glands that are bothersome to the person requires
treatment.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia is a result of a condition called
lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. The cause of the overproduction of the
IgM antibody is unknown, but researchers believe it is made by
lymphoma cells.
Overproduction of IgM causes the blood to become too thick. This
is called hyperviscosity. It occasionally makes it harder for
blood to flow through small blood vessels.
About 1,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia every year. Most people with this
condition are over age 65, however, it may occur in younger
people.
Diagnosis
No staging system exists for macroglobulinemia. However, most
studies suggest that the level of the blood hemoglobin at
diagnosis, age and the presence of weight loss have an impact on
treatment outcome. These aspects, and their effect on future
health, vary among patients. Read more about Waldenström
macroglobulinemia diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment for Waldenström macroglobulinemia typically involves
chemotherapy. Plasma exchange may be used if thickening of the
blood causes problems. Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients also
have access to the latest treatment approaches through Mayo's
participation in drug trials research. Read more about Waldenström
macroglobulinemia treatment options.
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