Macroglobulinemia

Macroglobulinemia
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Hematology
Symptoms	Fatigue (medical), bleeding, neuropathy, vision problems
Complications	Hyperviscosity syndrome, anemia, cryoglobulinemia
Onset
Duration
Types	Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
Causes	Overproduction of immunoglobulin M
Risks
Diagnosis	Blood test, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Prevention
Treatment	Chemotherapy, plasmapheresis, rituximab
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Macroglobulinemia is a type of blood cancer that originates from B cells, a type of white blood cell. It is characterized by the overproduction of immunoglobulin M (IgM), a type of antibody, which leads to increased blood viscosity, or thickness. This condition is also known as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, named after the Swedish physician Jan Gosta Waldenström who first described the disease in 1944.

Symptoms

The symptoms of macroglobulinemia can vary widely, but often include fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Other symptoms may include bleeding, bruising, swelling, and problems with vision or hearing. In severe cases, the disease can lead to organ failure.

Causes

The exact cause of macroglobulinemia is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetic mutations in the B cells. These mutations cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the overproduction of IgM.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of macroglobulinemia is typically made through blood tests, which can detect the presence of excess IgM. Other tests, such as bone marrow biopsy, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for macroglobulinemia typically involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of both. In some cases, stem cell transplantation may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for macroglobulinemia varies widely, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. However, with appropriate treatment, many patients can live for many years with the disease.

See also

• Blood disorders
• Hematology
• Oncology