Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Overview

Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare disorder involving enlargement of the liver and spleen associated with anemia (low blood count), nose bleeding, and an abnormal blood protein. It is named after Professor Jan Waldenström, who first described patients who were experiencing these symptoms. His description contains most of the clinical features of the disorder. Symptoms include numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, nose bleeding and fatigue.

Mayo Clinic doctors have extensive experience in treating Waldenström macroglobulinemia and are therefore able to determine the point at which a person crosses the line from simply having an incidental protein into having Waldenström macroglobulinemia in need of treatment. The development of progressive anemia or enlarged lymph glands that are bothersome to the person requires treatment.

Diagnosis

No staging system exists for macroglobulinemia. However, most studies suggest that the level of the blood hemoglobin at diagnosis, age and the presence of weight loss have an impact on treatment outcome. These aspects, and their effect on future health, vary among patients. Read more about Waldenström macroglobulinemia diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Waldenström macroglobulinemia typically involves chemotherapy. Plasma exchange may be used if thickening of the blood causes problems. Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients also have access to the latest treatment approaches through Mayo's participation in drug trials research. Read more about Waldenström macroglobulinemia treatment options.

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About Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Waldenström macroglobulinemia represents growth within the bone marrow cavity of an abnormal population of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These lymphocytes in the bone marrow interfere with normal bone marrow function. If the growth of these abnormal lymphocytes is not halted, the result is increasing symptoms related to low blood cell counts and occasionally enlargement of the lymph glands. Enlarged lymph glands are most commonly seen in the neck, under the arms or in the groin. (See more on Waldenström macroglobulinemia background and diagnosis.)