Contents
Could Your Symptoms Be a Sign of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia?
Published: Sep 21, 2023
Recognizing the symptoms of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) early can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment. Don't ignore these warning signs!
Common Symptoms
WM often presents with vague symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Some patients may experience bleeding from the nose or gums and enlarged organs due to the abnormal IgM proteins in their blood. Anemia is also a frequent finding, contributing to fatigue.
Neurological Issues
Neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the limbs can occur due to nerve damage. Severe cases may lead to confusion or difficulty with coordination, a result of hyperviscosity syndrome caused by thickened blood.
Less Common Signs
Some patients have rare symptoms, including skin lesions or kidney issues due to IgM deposits. It's essential to observe any unusual changes and report them to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding.
Yes, WM can cause neurological symptoms like tingling and numbness.
Rare symptoms may include skin lesions and kidney issues.
Confusion can result from hyperviscosity syndrome, where blood thickens.
Stay Vigilant
Being aware of WM symptoms can prompt early intervention and improve outcomes.
References
- MacKenzie RM. Macroglobulinemia. In: Neoplastic Diseases of the Blood, Wiernick PH, Canellos GP, Dutcher JD (Eds), Churchill-Livingstone, New York 1996.
- Dimopoulos MA, Panayiotidis P, Moulopoulos LA, et al. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: clinical features, complications, and management. J Clin Oncol 2000; 18:214.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?