Description
A cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It is associated with the overproduction of large proteins called IgM antibodies. The blood can become too thick, causing decreased blood flow to organs in the body. Patients may also experience difficulties clotting their blood and have problems fighting infections. The cause of the rare type of cancer is not known. Most patients with this disorder are over 65.
Symptoms
Fatigue, dizziness, bleeding of the gums, easy bruising, nosebleeds, unintentional weight loss, visual changes and sometimes vision loss in one eye, swollen glands.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests including complete blood count (CBC) and full chemistry panel are done. Blood is also examined for high levels of IgM antibodies. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Serum protein electrophoresis, 24-hour urine protein, serum globulin electrophoresis, immunofixation in urine, T (thymus derived) lymphocyte count, bone marrow biopsy
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests including complete blood count (CBC) and full chemistry panel are done. Blood is also examined for high levels of IgM antibodies. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Serum protein electrophoresis, 24-hour urine protein, serum globulin electrophoresis, immunofixation in urine, T (thymus derived) lymphocyte count, bone marrow biopsy
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Treatment
Therapy may include the following medications: corticosteroids, chlorambucil (Leukeran), melphalan (Alkeran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), fludarabine (Fludara), and/or rituximab (Rituxan). Some patients require red blood cell and platelet transfusions. Patients with very thick blood causing symptoms will need plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) to remove the high levels of IgM antibodies.