Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia: An overview of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)
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Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)

• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), also known
  as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, is a type of
  non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is very uncommon,
  slow-growing 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. Walde
  nstrom macroglobulinemia cells develop mainly in
  the bone marrow, where they can crowd out the
  normal cells that make the different types of
  blood cells. This can cause low levels of red
  blood cells, effects of which may make people
  tired and weak. It can also cause low numbers of
  white blood cells, which makes it difficult for
  the body to fight infection.

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Symptoms

• 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 system symptoms such as headache,
  confusion, and dizziness
• Abnormal bleeding
• Vision problems
• Kidney problems

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Symptoms
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• Heart problems such as heart palpitations,
  shortness of breath
• Infections
• Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, poor
  absorption of vitamins, or gastrointestinal
  bleeding
• Sensitivity to cold

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Diagnosis of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

• 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
  as enlarged lymph nodes.
• Lab tests show changes in your blood cells, blood
  chemistry and your urine. These tests also tell
  your doctor if you have the IgM protein, a sign
  of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
• A bone marrow biopsy can tell your doctor about
  changes in the lymphocyte cells in 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.

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Treatments

• 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 to lower blood protein levels.
• Biotherapy Biotherapy may be used alone or in
  coordination with chemotherapy.

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Treatments
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• Biological therapy, as it is often known, boosts
  your immune system's ability to fight cancer and
  help decrease side effects from certain types 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.

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