plasma cell dyscrasia resembling leukemia, with cells of lymphocytic, plasmacytic, or intermediate morphology, that secrete an IgM monoclonal component.
A rare cancer of the lymph cells that causes the body to produce abnormal levels of plasma cells (plasmacytosis) and lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) in the bone marrow. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia may also cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells (anemia) and enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly), or glands (adenopathy).
(MAK-ro-GLOB-u-li-NE-me-uh) A condition in which the blood contains high levels of large proteins and is too thick to flow through small blood vessels. One type is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, which is a type of cancer.
A clonal neoplasm of small B-lymphocytes, lymphoplasmacytoid cells, and plasma cells involving the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the spleen. The majority of patients have a serum IgM paraprotein. Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia is a relatively rare condition accounting for approximately 2% of hematologic malignancies. Symptoms include: weakness and fatigue, hemorrhagic manifestations, weight loss, and visual disturbances. Physical findings include: hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, fundic changes, adenopathy, neurologic abnormalities, and purpura. The most common laboratory finding is anemia. Treatment includes: chemotherapy (alkylating agents, nucleoside analogues) radiotherapy, and plasmapheresis. Bone marrow transplant is being investigated. Asymptomatic patients may be monitored without treatment until complications occur.
Also applicable to/known as
Macroglobulinemia (idiopathic) (primary)
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
ICD-9-CM Volume 2 Index Entries That Refer To 273.3