WALDENSTROM'S

WALDENSTROM’S MACROGLOBULINEMIA

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia is one of the cancer types that starts in the white blood cells (WBC). This condition occurs when an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells are produced by bone marrow, crowding out good blood cells. Furthermore, the malfunctioning white blood cells generate a protein that builds up in the bloodstream, obstructing circulation and leading to complications.

Furthermore, experts believe the illness begins with a single rare white blood cell containing genetic coding abnormalities. The mistake tells the cell to continue growing at a rapid rate.

Cancer cells grow and eventually outnumber healthy cell creation because they do not mature and die like normal cells. Moreover, In the bone marrow, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia cells drive away healthy blood cells.

SYMPTOMS

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia progresses slowly, and symptoms may not appear for years.

If symptoms do appear, the following are some of the things you could notice:

  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Bruising
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swollen glands
  • Dizziness 
  • Changes or loss of vision
  • Weakness
  • Nosebleeds
  • Loss of strength
  • Loss of coordination
  • Changes in mental status
  • Numbness in your hands or feet

If you experience any of these symptoms, it would be best to seek professional help immediately.

DIAGNOSIS

In diagnosing Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, the following procedures are performed:

  • Bone marrow analysis. To remove bone marrow, a needle will be placed into your hip bone.
  • Biopsy. Your tissue sample will be taken and examined under a microscope.
  • A blood test is required. This influences your IgM level as well as the thickness of your blood.
  • Imaging test. This test can help your doctor figure out if cancer has spread to other regions of your body.

TREATMENT

The treatment options for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia may include:

  • Chemotherapy. This is a medical technique that eliminates fast-growing cells, such as blood cells that are dysfunctional.
  • Biotherapy. A medication that strengthens your immune system and attacks malignant cells is used in this form of treatment.
  • Stem cell transplant. In this treatment, doctors will use high-dose chemotherapy to destroy your damaged bone marrow and replace it with healthy blood stem cells.
  • Bendamustine. It’s an anti-cancer medication that’s prescribed when you’re first diagnosed with cancer.
  • Surgery. Surgical treatments are performed in some instances. For a long period, this may lessen or remove the symptoms.

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