Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary; Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma


Symptoms
  • Bleeding of the gums
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Dizziness
  • Easy bruising of the skin
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Mental status changes
  • Nosebleeds
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or nose
  • Rash
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Vision loss in one eye

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

  • Bluish skin discoloration
  • Fingers that change color upon pressure
  • Flank pain
  • Swollen glands

Signs and tests

A physical examination may reveal a swollen spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. An eye exam may show enlarged veins in the retina or retinal bleeding (hemorrhages).

A CBC shows a low number of red blood cells and platelets. A blood chemistry shows evidence of kidney disease. A serum viscosity test can tell if the blood has become thick. Symptoms usually occur when the blood is four times thicker than normal.

A test called serum protein electrophoresis shows an increased amount of the IgM antibody. Levels seen in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are generally greater than 3 g/dL.

Bone lesions are very rare. If they are present, a bone marrow examination will show cells that resemble both lymphocytes and plasma cells.

Additional tests that may be done:

  • 24-hour urine protein
  • Total protein
  • Serum globulin electrophoresis
  • Immunofixation in urine
  • T (thymus derived) lymphocyte count

Review Date: 04/30/2010
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, M.D., Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)