Waldenström

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (also known as Waldenström macroglobulinemia, or WM) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The cancer cells make large amounts of an abnormal protein (called a macroglobulin). Another term for WM is lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. This condition is named after the Swedish doctor Jan G. Waldenström, who first described the disease in 1944.

Symptoms

The symptoms of WM can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may not have any symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Causes

The exact cause of WM is unknown. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:

• Age: WM is most common in people over the age of 65.
• Sex: Men are slightly more likely to develop WM than women.
• Race: WM is more common in white people than in people of other races.
• Family history: Having a close relative with WM may increase a person's risk of developing the disease.

Diagnosis

WM is often found when a person goes to the doctor because of symptoms they are having, or it might be found during a routine blood test. To diagnose WM, doctors may use a variety of tests and procedures, including:

• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Imaging tests

Treatment

Treatment for WM depends on many factors, including the severity of symptoms, the person's overall health, and whether the disease is affecting the organs. Treatment options may include:

• Watchful waiting
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Plasmapheresis
• Stem cell transplant

Prognosis

The prognosis for people with WM varies. It depends on the stage of the disease and the person's overall health. Some people with WM may live for many years with the disease.

See also

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Macroglobulinemia
• Plasmapheresis
• Stem cell transplant

Waldenström Resources
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