Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer that begins in cells of the immune system) that causes overproduction of a protein called monoclonal macroglobulin (IgM) antibody. Not everyone with WM experiences symptoms of the cancer; when symptoms do occur, they may include weakness, swollen lymph nodes, severe fatigue, nosebleeds, and weight loss. Treatment options for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia in patients with symptoms may include plasmapheresis, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.

What Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, slow-growing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system). WM is also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. WM begins in plasma cells, which develop from white blood cells, called B lymphocytes or B cells.

Understanding Normal Blood Cells

Most blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of most bones. Stem cells mature into different types of blood cells, which include:

White blood cells, which help fight infection (There are several types of white blood cells.)
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body
Platelets, which help form blood clots that control bleeding.

Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies, which are part of the immune system. Antibodies work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. Each type of plasma cell makes a different antibody.

Normal plasma cells help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances.

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