Categories

Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

What Is Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia?

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), is an uncommon type of blood cancer with a slow metastasis. It has several similarities with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma [1]; they both begin in the white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are a part of the immune system responsible for fighting foreign substances in the body.

The cells responsible for fighting infections in our body are called B cells. They are a type of lymphocyte that develop into plasma cells to create a protein known as immunoglobin M. The protein formed binds to germs or foreign substances to kill them.

When you have Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, your B cells fail to follow the normal process (turning into plasma cells), instead, they develop into cancer cells. As a result, they experience uncontrollable growth and damage to vital tissues in the body. Most long bones in the body have spongy tissue (bone marrow), this is where the cancer cell develops. Over time, the cancer cells begin to invade other healthy tissues in the body.

It would help to know that you may experience problems such as the Production of large numbers of immunoglobulin (M) when cells of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia invade your body.

Accumulation of immunoglobulin M. Can lead or abnormal thickening of your blood. As a result, blood flow through the vessels becomes difficult. Experts are yet to find a cure for the condition, but certain treatment methods can reduce the severity of symptoms and manage the condition for years.

It would help if you received support from family and friends during treatment. They give you the backing you need when getting managing the condition. You may get overwhelmed with emotions, but your family and friends will always give you support and attention.