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Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a rare type of blood cancer. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, you might have some questions. We’re here to to help.
Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia is a rare type of blood cancer.
What causes Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia?
WM is caused when a certain type of white blood cell – called B-cells – develops incorrectly. Even though these abnormal cells aren’t of any use to the body, they keep on multiplying and can crowd out the other useful blood cells. This build-up of abnormal B-cells creates some of the common symptoms felt by people with WM, such as fatigue, increased infections and unexplained bruising.
We’ll break down the science of WM so you can understand what’s happening to cause your symptoms.
There are three main types of test routinely used to diagnose Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia: blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, and scans.
PL and WM are very similar and you may hear the terms used interchangeably. However, WM is actually a type of LPL. More details can be found on the link below.
Your doctor may have told you that you have MGUS, which stands for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Find out more about MGUS here.
Your symptoms might indicate a condition associated with WM which may need treatment. Your doctor should investigate any symptoms you report, regardless of your blood test results.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Alongside blood results, your symptoms are an important way that your healthcare team will monitor your WM.
When you’ve just been diagnosed, you’re likely to have lots of questions. To help support you, we’ve answered some of the most common questions here
What can you can expect once you’ve been diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia? Find out below.
In rare cases, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia can change (or transform) into a faster-growing, or high-grade, form of lymphoma
We aren’t certain why some people develop WM. The Rory Morrison WMUK Registry is an important tool in helping us learn more about the disease, who develops it and the reasons behind this.
9 out of 10 people with WM have mutation in a gene called MYD88, and 1 in 3 have a mutation in another gene called CXCR4. Scientists are looking into if these mutations have anything to do with the development of WM, and if they can help with creating new, more effective treatments.
Having a family member who has WM, another type of lymphoma that develops in the B-cells, or chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) may increase your chances of developing WM yourself. However this chance is still very low and most family members do not develop WM or any other type of lymphoma.
Jan G. Waldenström (1906–1996) was a Swedish oncologist and scientist who first described the disease we now call Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) in 1944. He identified the condition while studying two patients who exhibited symptoms of anemia, bleeding, and elevated blood viscosity, along with unusually high levels of a single type of immunoglobulin (IgM) in their blood.
Jan G. Waldenström made significant contributions to the understanding of macroglobulinaemia, beginning with his detailed case studies and observations that established WM as a distinct type of blood cancer, now classified as a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He identified hallmark symptoms of the disease, including fatigue, weakness, abnormal bleeding, and hyperviscosity syndrome caused by the overproduction of monoclonal IgM proteins. His pioneering work not only provided critical insights into this rare condition but also laid the foundation for further research into blood disorders.
The condition was named after him: Waldenstrom’s (or Waldenström’s) macroglobulinaemia.
