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While the disease cannot be cured, it usually responds well to treatment.

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia (WM) develops from b-cell lymphocytes, a type of immune system cell. The cancerous cells can grow in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

They also can grow in the bone marrow, crowding out normal cells. When this happens, levels of healthy blood cells can drop. This includes red blood cells (which carry oxygen through the body), white blood cells (which help the body fight infection), and platelets (which help stop bleeding).

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia cells may also produce too much of a protein called immunoglobulin M (IgM). When this protein builds up to very high levels, the blood can become thick. This makes it difficult for the blood to move through the blood vessels.

Who gets Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia?

Anyone can develop this disease, but it is most common in white people, men, and people age 50 and older. Siblings, children and parents of people who have been diagnosed with WM also have an increased risk.

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia symptoms

Early symptoms of Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia include fatigue and frequent infections. More advanced cases can cause confusion, dizziness and headaches.

Learn more about Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia symptoms.

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia treatment

Many patients with WM do not need immediate care. When treatment is needed, options include a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Find out more about Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia treatments.

Living with Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia is a slow-growing cancer that usually responds well to treatment. Most patients can continue daily activities, even when receiving treatment.

Patients with Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia have an increased risk of developing another cancer, so they should follow all cancer screening guidelines for their age and gender.

The disease also impacts the immune system. Patients should talk to their doctor to make sure their vaccines are up to date.

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia risk factors

Risk factors increase the odds of a person developing a specific disease. The risk factors for Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia are:

• A personal history of MGUS: MGUS, or monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, is a precancerous condition of the immune system that can lead to WM.
• Auto-immune diseases: People with certain autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis, Sjogren¡¯s syndrome, warm and cold autoimmune hemolytic anemias, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, have an increased risk of developing Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia.
• Infections: Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia develops more often in people with a history of infections, including pneumonia, septicemia, pyelonephritis, sinusitis, herpes zoster, and influenza.
• Family history: People who have a family member diagnosed with Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia or another type of lymphoma are at an increased risk.
• Age: Most cases of WM are diagnosed in people aged 50 and older.
• Race: Waldenstr?m is more common in white people.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop WM.

Not everyone with risk factors gets Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia. However, if you have risk factors, discuss them with your doctor.

Learn more about Waldenstr?m¡¯s macroglobulinemia:

• Waldenstr?m¡¯s macroglobulinemia symptoms
• Waldenstr?m¡¯s macroglobulinemia diagnosis
  
• Waldenstr?m¡¯s macroglobulinemia treatment
  

Why choose MD Anderson for Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia treatment?

Choosing where to go for cancer treatment is one of the most important decisions a patient can make.

Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia is a rare cancer. Most doctors see only a few cases in their careers. As a top-ranked cancer center, MD Anderson treats hundreds of Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia patients each year.

This gives MD Anderson physicians incredible expertise in treating Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia. They use this to develop treatment plans for each patient¡¯s unique needs. Treatments may include cutting-edge immunotherapies and combination therapies that have the greatest effect on the disease while limiting side effects.

As a leading cancer center, MD Anderson is also home to several clinical trials for Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia. Some of these may not be available anywhere else.

And at MD Anderson you will be surrounded by the strength of one of the nation's largest and most experienced cancer centers. From support groups to nutrition counseling to integrative medicine care, we have all the services needed to treat not just the disease, but the whole person.