Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia Dictionary

lymph nodes: Filters or traps for foreign particles that contain white blood cells. These tend to swell up for a Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia patient.

lymphadenopathy: Enlargement of the lymph nodes due to cancer or disease.

lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system that play an important role in the body’s defenses.

lymphoma: A malignant tumor that develops in the lymph tissue.

M component: An excessive amount of IgM in the blood that indicates the presence of Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia. The M stands for monoclonal (see monoclonal protein).

M spike: See M component.

macroglobulins: Large, complex proteins such as IgM antibodies.

malignant: Any condition that causes progressive deterioration to health ending in death. A malignant tumor may or may not be treatable depending on the nature of the cancer.

melphalan: See alkylating agents.

monoclonal antibody: An artificial protein that binds to the surface of cancer cells, interfering with cell function and cell division.

monoclonal antibody therapy: A type of treatment that can locate tumor cells and kill them without harming normal cells. Examples include Alemtuzumab and rituximab.

monoclonal protein: Antibodies found in high concentrations of people with plasma cell tumors, especially multiple myeloma.

monomer: A single protein molecule.

mucous membranes: Special membranes that line body cavities and passages which produce lubricating mucous.

multiple myeloma: A cancer of the bone marrow that produces bone tumors (or myelomas) in bones throughout the body.

myelin: The soft, fatty material that sheathes nerve endings.

night sweats: Also known as sleep hyperhidrosis, this is a condition of excess sweat during sleep that is a symptom of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.