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Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom

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• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Such cancer is called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. It is associated with the overproduction of proteins called IgM antibodies .

Alternative Names:

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary;

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of the overproduction of the IgM antibody is unknown. Overproduction of IgM causes the blood to become too thick. This is called hyperviscosity. It makes it harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels.

About 1,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia every year. Most people with this condition are over age 65, however, it may occur in younger people.

References:

Ferri FF. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:909.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 200:1068, 1992.

• Review Date: 9/20/2006
• Reviewed By: Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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