Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (pronounced: wahl-den-stroms mak-ro-glob-yoo-lih-NEE-me-uh) is a rare type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells. It is named after the Swedish doctor Jan Gosta Waldenstrom, who first described the condition in 1944.

Etymology

The term "macroglobulinemia" comes from the Greek words "makros" (large), "globus" (ball), and "haima" (blood), referring to the large proteins found in the blood of people with this condition.

Definition

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the overproduction of a protein called IgM (macroglobulin) by abnormal B cells. This overproduction can lead to a thickening of the blood (hyperviscosity), which can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia can vary widely, but may include fatigue, bleeding, weight loss, and neuropathy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia typically involves blood tests to measure levels of IgM and other proteins, as well as a bone marrow biopsy to look for abnormal B cells.

Treatment

Treatment options for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapies.

Related Terms

• Lymphoma
• Plasma cell
• Monoclonal gammopathy
• Hyperviscosity syndrome

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
• Wikipedia's article - Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

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