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| __NOTOC__
| | {{Template:Esophageal stricture (patient information)}} |
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| {{Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (patient information)}}
| | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Esophageal stricture|here]]''' |
| '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[ Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia |here]]''' | | |
| | {{CMG}}; {{AE}} |
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| {{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{S.M.}}
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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom is a [[cancer]] of the B [[B Lymphocytes|lymphocytes]] (a type of white blood cell). It is associated with the overproduction of [[proteins]] called [[IgM]] [[antibodies]].<ref name="urlMacroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia">{{cite web |url=http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000588.htm |title=Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
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| ==What are the symptoms of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia?==
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| * [[Bleeding of the gums]]
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| * [[Blurred or decreased vision]]
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| * [[Dizziness]]
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| * Easy [[bruising]] of the [[skin]]
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| * [[Fatigue]]
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| * [[Headache]]
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| * Mental status changes
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| * [[Nosebleeds]]
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| * [[Numbness]], [[tingling]], or burning [[pain]] in the hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or nose
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| * [[Rash]]
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| * Unintentional [[weight loss]]
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| * Vision loss in one eye
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| Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
| | ==What are the Symptoms of (Disease name)?== |
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| * Bluish skin discoloration
| | ==What Causes (disease name)?== |
| * Fingers that change color upon pressure
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| * [[Flank pain]]
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| * Swollen glands
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| ==What causes Waldenström's macroglobulinemia?== | |
| 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.
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| Overproduction of IgM causes the blood to become too thick. This is called hyper-viscosity. It occasionally makes it harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels.
| | ==Who is at Highest Risk?== |
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| 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 also occur in younger people.
| | ==Diagnosis== |
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| == Diagnosis == | | ==When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?== |
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| Signs may include:
| | ==Treatment Options== |
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| * Swollen/[[enlarged spleen]]
| | ==Where to find Medical Care for (Disease name)?== |
| * Swollen/[[enlarged liver]]
| | Medical care for (disease name) can be found [https://www.google.com/maps/search/hospitals/ here]. |
| * Swollen/[[enlarged lymph nodes]]
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| * An eye exam may show enlarged veins in the [[retina]] or [[retinal bleeding]] ([[hemorrhages]]).
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| Tests may include:
| | ==Prevention== |
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| * [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) - shows a low number of red blood cells and [[platelets]]
| | ==What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== |
| * [[Blood chemistry tests|Blood chemistry]] - evidence of [[kidney disease]]
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| * Serum viscosity test
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| * [[Serum protein electrophoresis]] - increased amount of the [[IgM]] [[antibody]]. Levels seen in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are generally greater than 3 g/dL.
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| * [[Bone marrow examination]] - show cells that resemble both [[lymphocytes]] and [[plasma cells]]
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| Additional tests that may be done:
| | ==Possible Complications== |
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| * 24-hour urine protein
| | ==Sources== |
| * [[Total protein]]
| | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm |
| * [[Electrophoresis|Serum globulin electrophoresis]]
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| * [[Immunofixation]] in urine
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| * T (thymus derived) lymphocyte count
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| ==When to seek urgent medical care?==
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| Call your health care provider if any symptoms of this disorder develop.
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| ==Treatment==
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| * [[Plasmapheresis]] - removes unwanted substances from the blood. In macroglobulinemia, this treatment removes or reduces the high levels of [[Immunoglobulin M|IgM]] and is used to quickly control the symptoms caused by blood thickening.
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| * Drug therapy - may include [[steroids]], [[Leukeran]], [[Alkeran]], [[Cytoxan]], [[fludarabine]], or [[rituximab]], or combinations of [[chemotherapy]] drugs.
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| * Patients who have a low number of red or [[white blood cells]] or [[platelets]] may need [[transfusions]] or [[antibiotics]].
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| ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
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| The average survival is about 6.5 years. Some people live more than 10 years. In some people, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may produce few symptoms and progress slowly.
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| ==Possible complications==
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| * Changes in mental function, possibly leading to [[coma]]
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| * [[Congestive heart failure]]
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| * [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]]
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| * [[Vision problems]]
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| ==Sources==
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| {{reflist|2}}
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| {{WH}} | | {{WH}} |
| {{WS}} | | {{WS}} |
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| [[Category:Patient information]]
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