Waldenstrom's Overview

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a rare cancer of the B lymphocytes. Abnormal B lymphocytes overproduce IgM antibodies, which results in a number of complications such as increased risk of infection and hyperviscosity (thickening) of the blood.   The exact statistics are not known, but medical scientists believe that approximately 1,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease every... Read more >

Diagnosis

Few Inital Symptoms Abnormal results from routine examinations or blood work often provide the first indications of the disease.    Routine Exams and Unusual Results Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia progresses very slowly, with few initial symptoms. As a result, abnormal results from routine examinations or blood work often provide the first indications of the disease. A physical examination... Read more >

Complications

  Common Complication Hyperviscosity syndrome is perhaps the most common complication of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.   Most complications associated with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia can be traced to a high concentration of IgM antibodies circulating through the blood vessels. Not all people with WM will experience these complications as the disease often progresses without... Read more >

Treatment

  Treatment Plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange, is used to thin the blood and provide rapid symptom relief from hyperviscosity syndrome.     Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is classified as an "orphan" disease. Orphan diseases are so rare that few, if any, research funds are available. Current treatment options for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are based on research into similar... Read more >

Blood Cancers

Cancers of the blood alter how your body produces blood cells and compromises its ability to resist other diseases. Blood cancers account for roughly 10 percent of all cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. About Blood Cancers Blood is made up of a variety of different cells: lymphocytes plasma platelets red blood cells white blood cells. Each of these types has a different function... Read more >