Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)

Introduction of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

(WM)

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), also known as lymphoplasmacytic

lymphoma, is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is very uncommon, slowgrowing cancer that begins in the immune system. Abnormal white blood cells
(lymphocytes) in the bone marrow make an abnormal protein called monoclonal
immunoglobulin M(IgM) that thickens the blood plasma. This causes the
symptoms of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells develop mainly in thebone marrow,
where they can crowd out the normal cells that make the different types of blood
cells. This can causelow levels of red blood cells, effects of which may make
people tired and weak. It can also causelow numbers of white blood cells,
which makes it difficult for the body to fight infection.

Symptoms of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)

The most common signs and symptoms of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
include:
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Fever, sweats,weight loss
Painful pins and needles sensation in the feet and legs
Enlarged lymph nodes
Swollen abdomen
Nervous systemsymptoms such asheadache, confusion, and dizziness
Abnormal bleeding
Vision problems
Kidney problems
Heart problemssuch as heart palpitations, shortness of breath
Infections
Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea,poor absorption of vitamins, or
gastrointestinal bleeding

Diagnoses of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)

Diagnoses of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia include a series of
examinations and tests:
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine any health changes you
may have, such asenlarged lymph nodes.
Lab tests show changes in your blood cells, blood chemistry and your urine.
These tests also tell your doctor if you have theIgM protein, a sign of
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
Abone marrow biopsycan tell your doctor about changes in thelymphocyte
cellsin your bone marrow.
X-rays can show your doctor any changes in your bones.
A CT scan combines a series of X-ray views to produce images of the bones and
soft tissues inside your body so that your doctor can look for changes.

Treatments of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)

Once you have been diagnosed with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, its time
for the doctor to discuss your treatment options with you. These may include:
Chemotherapy:In chemotherapy, medicines are used that attack abnormal
cells to reduce their effect on healthy bone marrow and lower the level of
abnormal protein. It can be taken intravenously or in the form of a pill.
Plasma exchange:If thickening of the blood causes problems, plasma
exchange can be used to wash the IgM protein out of your bloodstream and
replace it with healthy plasma. It is very effective procedure which requires only
one or two treatments tolower blood protein levels.
Biotherapy:Biotherapy may be used alone or in coordination with
chemotherapy. Biological therapy, as it is often known, boosts your immune
system's ability to fight cancer and help decrease side effects from
certaintypes of cancer treatments.
Radiation therapy:It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. However, this
type of treatment is not used often to treat Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
Current forms of treatment for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia are not likely to
result in a cure. Patients are treated for some time, followed by a break, and
then treated again when the disease comes back.