Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary; Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma


Treatment

Plasmapheresis removes unwanted substances from the blood. In macroglobulinemia, it removes or reduces the high level of IgM, and is used to quickly control the symptoms caused by blood thickening.

Drug therapy may include steroids, Leukeran, Alkeran, Cytoxan, fludarabine, or rituximab, or combinations of chemotherapy drugs.

Patients who have a low number of red or white blood cells or platelets may need transfusions or antibiotics.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

The average survival is about 6.5 years. Some people live more than 10 years.

In some people, the disorder may produce few symptoms and progress slowly.


Complications
  • Changes in mental function, possibly leading to coma
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Vision problems

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.


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)