WaldenströmMakroglobulinämie

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, often abbreviated as WM, is a rare, slow-growing malignant lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects B-lymphocytes. It is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of these white blood cells in the bone marrow, which then produce and secrete large amounts of an abnormal protein called a monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM). This IgM is often referred to as a macroglobulin.

The exact cause of WM is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve genetic mutations in B-lymphocytes that lead to their uncontrolled growth and IgM production. It is more common in men and typically affects individuals over the age of 60. While there is no known cure, WM is generally considered treatable, and many patients can live for years with appropriate management.

Symptoms of WM can vary and may include fatigue, anemia leading to paleness and shortness of breath, enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged spleen and liver, and bleeding problems such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding. The high levels of IgM can also lead to complications such as hyperviscosity syndrome, where the blood becomes too thick, causing headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision, and cryoglobulinemia, a condition where proteins in the blood solidify in cooler temperatures, potentially damaging organs.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure IgM levels and check for anemia, a bone marrow biopsy to examine the cancerous cells, and imaging scans to assess lymph node enlargement. Treatment strategies depend on the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications, and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or plasmapheresis to remove excess IgM from the blood.