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Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is a lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma, i.e. a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. The disease prevents the production of a sufficient number of normal blood cells, which results, among other things, in decrease in immunity. What are the causes and other symptoms of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia? What is the treatment of this cancer and what is the prognosis?

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia(Waldenström's macroglobulinemia) is a lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma belonging to the group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, i.e. a cancer originating in the lymphatic system - part of the body's immune system.

The lymphatic system consists, inter alia, of from B lymphocytes from blood cells that fight infection. Some of them turn into plasma cells.

They produce antibodies that help fight infection. In turn, these antibodies are made of a type of protein called immunoglobulin.

The essence of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is the uncontrolled proliferation of B-cell lymphocytes. During their transformation, normal plasma cells are not formed, but cancerous cells called lymphoplasmocytic cells.

They overproduce the abnormal IgM monoclonal protein in the bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. The production of an IgM protein usually leads to a reduction in the amount of residual antibodies produced, which results in a decrease in immunity.

IgM protein can also lead to protein deposition in organs, causing them to become dysfunctional, and in bone tissue, leading to osteoporosis. An Ig class protein can also lead to a reduction in blood cell production, and thus - anemia.

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia - causes and risk factors

The causes of the disease are unknown, although its family history in twins suggests the involvement of genetic factors. It is known that the risk of developing the disease increases in patients with hepatitis C.

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia - symptoms

Symptoms of the disease occur when the lymphoma cells fill the bone marrow and stop it from producing enough and normal blood cells. These include:

  • weakness and fatigue
  • pale skin (as in anemia)
  • recurrent nose and gum bleeding
  • tendency to bruise
  • fever
  • night sweats
  • weight loss
  • bone pain
  • recurring infections

U approx. 15 percent sick people develop neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, headaches, loss of hearing or sense of orientation.

You may also experience balance problems, a tingling sensation, and muscle weakness (especially in the legs) from nerve damage caused by abnormal proteins.

However, the most characteristic symptoms that appear in 50% of sick people are enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and enlarged spleen.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia - diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of:

  • blood tests (platelet function test, presence of monoclonal IgM protein)
  • bone marrow (bone marrow samples are usually collected from the hip bone)
  • Pap smears
  • urine tests (presence of Bence Jones protein).

The doctor may also order a computerized tomography scan, which allows you to find out whether the disease has spread to the lymph nodes and other organs, such as the liver.

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia - treatment

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia usually develops slowly, so in the early stages of its development, when symptoms have not yet appeared, treatment does not need to be started.

In other cases, the therapy includes chemotherapy, i.e. anti-cancer drugs, and plasma exchange or blood transfusion.

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia - prognosis

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia usually has a long and slowly progressive course, but in some patients it is rapid and then the prognosis is poor.

Average survival time from diagnosis was estimated at 6 years.

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Category:

Oncology