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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Waldenström Resources
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