Macroglobulinemia

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Search results last updated: 5/8/2009

macroglobulinemia - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Macroglobulinemia: A condition in which the blood contains high levels of large proteins and is too thick to flow through small blood vessels. The large protein is an antibody called macroglobulin or IgM. One type of macroglobulinemia is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, a type of cancer. ...
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macroglobulinemia - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)

Waldenstroms

Antibodies

Causes of macroglobulinemia (Source: MedLinePlus)

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a result of a condition called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. The cause of the overproduction of the IgM antibody is unknown, but researchers believe it is made by lymphoma cells. Overproduction of IgM causes the blood to become too thick. This is called hyperviscosity. It occasionally makes it harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels. About 1,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia every year. Most people with this condition are over age 65, however, it may occur in younger people. ... [ read more.. ]

Symptoms of macroglobulinemia (Source: MedLinePlus)

Bleeding of the gums ; Blurred or decreased vision ; Dizziness ; Easy bruising of the skin; Fatigue; Headache; Mental status changes ; Nosebleeds; Numbness , tingling, or burning pain in the hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or nose; Rash ; Unintentional weight loss ; Vision loss in one eye. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Bluish skin discoloration ; Fingers that change color upon pressure ; Flank pain ; Swollen glands . ... [ read more.. ]

macroglobulinemia - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)

Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) removes unwanted substances from the blood. In macroglobulinemia, it removes or reduces the high level of IgM, and is used to quickly control the symptoms caused by blood thickening. Drug therapy may include steroids, Leukeran, Alkeran, Cytoxan, fludarabine, or rituximab, or combinations of chemotherapy drugs. Patients who have a low number of red or white blood cells or platelets may need transfusions or antibiotics. ... [ read more.. ]

Further Reading on macroglobulinemia

Total Serum Protein ( WebMD ) A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood . Two major groups of ...See if you have a rare blood disease, such as multiple myeloma or macroglobulinemia . No special... Immunoglobulins ( WebMD ) An immunoglobulins test is done to measure the level of immunoglobulins , also known as antibodies ,...or allergies. Find certain types of cancer (such as multiple myeloma or macroglobulinemia ). See... Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) ( WebMD ) This test measures specific proteins in the blood to help diagnose some diseases . Proteins are ...is most often done to: Screen for a disease such as multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia , or amyloidosis... Macroglobulinemia, Waldenstrom ( MedicineNet ) Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia ( MedicineNet )

	macroglobulinemia: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

macroglobulinemia: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web