Question 1

What is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affecting white blood cells called B-lymphocytes. It is caused by cancerous B-lymphocytes that overproduce an abnormal protein called immunoglobulin M (IgM), which accumulates in the blood and can cause symptoms like fatigue, bleeding, and vision problems. The Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE, Serum is the most important test for diagnosing this condition because it detects the characteristic abnormal IgM protein spike.

Question 2

What causes Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is caused by cancerous B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow and produce excessive amounts of abnormal immunoglobulin M (IgM) protein. These malignant cells accumulate in the bone marrow and lymph nodes, crowding out healthy blood cells. The abnormal IgM protein thickens the blood, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, bleeding problems, vision changes, and increased risk of infections. While the exact trigger for this cancer is unknown, genetic mutations in the MYD88 and CXCR4 genes are found in most patients with this condition.

Question 3

What is the best test for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

The Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE, Serum is the most important blood test for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia because it detects the characteristic abnormal spike in IgM protein levels that defines this condition. This test analyzes the pattern of all proteins in your blood and identifies the specific type of abnormal protein through immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). When elevated IgM is detected, your doctor will typically follow up with additional tests including a bone marrow biopsy to examine the cancerous B-lymphocytes directly, complete blood count to check for anemia, and serum viscosity testing to measure blood thickness. The protein electrophoresis test is essential as the first step in diagnosis and is also used to monitor disease progression and treatment response over time.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest, frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, vision problems like blurred vision or blind spots, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, or recurrent infections. Testing is also important if you have been told you have an elevated protein level on routine blood work, have unexplained weight loss, or notice swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin. Because Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is more common in people over 60 and in men, older adults with these symptoms should be especially vigilant about getting tested promptly.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia develop gradually and include persistent fatigue, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding (especially nosebleeds and bleeding gums), vision problems (blurred vision, blind spots, or vision loss), headaches, dizziness, and confusion due to thickened blood. You might also experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy), swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats. Some people notice pale skin from anemia or feel full quickly when eating due to an enlarged spleen. Many patients have no symptoms initially and are diagnosed after abnormal protein levels are discovered on routine blood work.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

The risk for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia increases significantly with age, with most patients diagnosed in their 60s or 70s. Men are about twice as likely as women to develop this condition. People with a family history of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia or other lymphomas have a higher risk, and Caucasians are more frequently affected than other racial groups. Having a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), specifically IgM MGUS, increases your risk of progressing to Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Certain autoimmune conditions and chronic infections may also slightly increase risk, though most people who develop this rare lymphoma have no identifiable risk factors.

Question 7

What happens if Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia can lead to serious complications including hyperviscosity syndrome where the blood becomes so thick it cannot flow properly, causing strokes, heart problems, and severe bleeding. The accumulation of cancerous cells in the bone marrow crowds out healthy cells, leading to severe anemia (causing extreme fatigue and shortness of breath), low platelet counts (causing dangerous bleeding), and reduced white blood cells (causing life-threatening infections). The abnormal IgM protein can damage nerves causing permanent neuropathy, deposit in organs like the kidneys causing kidney failure, and lead to vision loss or blindness. The cancer can also transform into a more aggressive form of lymphoma. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Question 8

Can Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, though they must be combined with other tests for a complete diagnosis. The protein electrophoresis blood test detects the abnormal IgM protein spike that is the hallmark of this condition. Additional blood tests measure total IgM levels, check for anemia and low blood cell counts, and assess blood viscosity. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a bone marrow biopsy to examine the cancerous B-lymphocytes and confirm they have the characteristic features of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Blood tests are critical for initial detection, monitoring disease activity, and tracking treatment response, but they work together with bone marrow examination and sometimes CT scans to provide a complete picture of the disease.

Question 9

How is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia depends on whether you have symptoms and how active the disease is. Many patients with early-stage disease and no symptoms follow a watch-and-wait approach with regular monitoring. When treatment is needed, options include targeted therapy drugs like ibrutinib or zanubrutinib that block cancer cell growth, chemotherapy medications like bendamustine or cyclophosphamide, immunotherapy with rituximab that targets cancerous B-lymphocytes, and plasmapheresis to remove excess IgM protein from the blood in emergencies. Combination therapy using rituximab with chemotherapy is often very effective. Some patients may eventually need stem cell transplantation. Treatment is personalized based on your symptoms, test results, genetic mutations, age, and overall health, with the goal of controlling the disease and maintaining quality of life.

Question 10

How can I prevent Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

There is no known way to prevent Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia because the exact cause of this rare cancer is not fully understood. Unlike some cancers, it is not linked to lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, or alcohol use that you can modify. However, if you have IgM MGUS (a precursor condition), regular monitoring with blood tests every six months allows for early detection if it progresses to Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. If you have a family history of this condition or other lymphomas, inform your doctor so they can be vigilant about any symptoms or abnormal blood work. Maintaining overall good health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management supports your immune system, though these measures have not been proven to prevent this specific cancer.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia symptoms?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment is essential, several home strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help reduce blood thickness and improve circulation. Eat a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables to support your immune system and energy levels, and consider small, frequent meals if an enlarged spleen makes you feel full quickly. Get adequate rest and pace your activities to manage fatigue, but include gentle exercise like walking when you feel able. Avoid extreme cold which can worsen symptoms related to thick blood, and practice good hand hygiene to reduce infection risk. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor to minimize bleeding, and avoid medications like aspirin that thin the blood unless prescribed by your doctor. Keep all medical appointments and report any new symptoms promptly.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Blood Test

What is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

What causes Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

What is the best test for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

When should I get tested for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI