Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
What is Waldenström Macroglobulinemia?
Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare type of blood cancer. It affects a type of white blood cell called lymphoplasmacytic cells. These cells grow out of control in your bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells.
The cancerous cells produce too much of a protein called immunoglobulin M, or IgM for short. This protein builds up in your blood and makes it thicker than normal. When blood gets too thick, it can cause problems with circulation and organ function. Most people with this condition are over age 60 when diagnosed.
This is a slow-growing cancer that doctors classify as a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While there is no cure, many people live for years with proper monitoring and treatment. Catching elevated protein levels early through blood testing helps doctors start care before serious symptoms develop.
Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness that does not improve with rest
- Unexplained weight loss over several months
- Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Bruising easily or bleeding that takes longer to stop
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin
- Enlarged spleen or liver that creates abdominal fullness
- Vision problems including blurred or decreased vision
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Headaches or dizziness
- Frequent infections due to weakened immune function
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of this condition. Some cases are discovered accidentally during routine blood work. Regular testing helps catch abnormal protein levels before symptoms appear.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of Waldenström macroglobulinemia remains unknown. Doctors believe it starts when a genetic mutation occurs in white blood cells. This mutation makes the cells grow uncontrollably and produce excessive IgM protein. Family history plays a role, as the condition runs in some families. Having a close relative with this disease increases your risk.
Risk factors include being over age 60, being male, and being of European descent. People with certain immune system disorders face higher risk. Exposure to hepatitis C virus may also increase risk. Unlike many cancers, lifestyle factors like smoking or diet have not been clearly linked to this condition.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with blood tests that measure protein levels and blood cell counts. A total protein test can detect elevated protein levels, which is often the first sign of this condition. If protein levels are high, your doctor will order specialized tests to identify the specific type of protein. These include serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation tests.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes total protein measurement. This can help identify abnormal protein levels that warrant further investigation. Your doctor may also perform a bone marrow biopsy to examine the lymphoplasmacytic cells directly. Imaging tests like CT scans can check for enlarged lymph nodes or organs.
Treatment options
- Active monitoring with regular blood tests if you have no symptoms
- Chemotherapy medications like rituximab, bendamustine, and ibrutinib
- Plasmapheresis to remove excess IgM protein from blood
- Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific cancer cell proteins
- Avoiding extreme cold exposure, which can worsen blood thickness
- Staying hydrated to help maintain normal blood viscosity
- Managing infections quickly with antibiotics when needed
- Stem cell transplant in select cases for younger patients
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor disease progression
- Physical therapy to maintain strength and reduce fatigue
Concerned about Waldenström Macroglobulinemia? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Both are blood cancers affecting protein-producing cells, but they involve different cell types. Waldenström macroglobulinemia affects lymphoplasmacytic cells and produces IgM protein. Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells and usually produces IgG or IgA protein. Treatment approaches differ between the two conditions.
This condition affects about 3 people per million each year in the United States. That makes it much rarer than other blood cancers. About 1,500 new cases are diagnosed annually in the US. Men are diagnosed more often than women.
Yes, elevated total protein levels often appear before symptoms develop. Regular blood testing can catch these abnormal levels early. If total protein is high, your doctor will order specialized tests to identify the specific protein type. Early detection allows for monitoring and timely treatment when needed.
The condition can run in families, though most cases occur sporadically. Having a first-degree relative with the disease increases your risk about 20 times. If multiple family members have been diagnosed, genetic counseling may be helpful. Regular screening is not standard even for family members.
Excess IgM protein makes blood more viscous, like syrup instead of water. Thick blood flows more slowly through small vessels. This can reduce oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Symptoms include headaches, vision problems, and dizziness.
No, many people can be monitored without treatment for years. If you have no symptoms and normal blood counts, active monitoring is often recommended. Treatment typically starts when symptoms develop or blood counts drop. This approach is called watchful waiting.
Staying well-hydrated helps keep blood from getting too thick. Avoiding extreme cold prevents blood viscosity problems that worsen in cold temperatures. Eating a nutrient-rich diet supports your immune system. Regular gentle exercise helps maintain energy and strength during treatment.
Testing frequency depends on your disease stage and treatment status. People in watchful waiting typically test every 3 to 6 months. Those receiving treatment may need monthly blood tests. Your doctor will create a monitoring schedule based on your specific situation.
Yes, treatment can put the disease into remission where symptoms disappear and tests improve. Remission can last months or years, though the condition usually returns eventually. Regular monitoring during remission helps catch any return of disease early. Many people go through multiple cycles of treatment and remission.
Plasmapheresis is a procedure that filters excess protein from your blood. A machine removes blood, separates out the protein-rich plasma, and returns the rest to your body. It provides quick symptom relief when blood thickness causes urgent problems. This treatment addresses symptoms but does not treat the underlying cancer.