Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia often develops over a long period of time (years), and some people have no symptoms at all.
However, most people will gradually develop symptoms of WM for two main reasons:
The abnormal cells are filling up the bone marrow or collecting in the lymph nodes or spleen.
Large amounts of IgM are circulating in the bloodstream or targeting tissue and nerves.
When they do occur, signs and symptoms may include:
Easy bruising
Bleeding from the nose or the gums
Fatigue
Weight loss
Numbness in your hands or feet
Fever
Headache
Shortness of breath
Changes in vision
Confusion
Enlarged Lymph nodes
Low hemoglobin
Risk Factors
Being older
Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia can occur at any age, but it’s most often diagnosed in adults 65 and older.
Being male
Males are more likely to be diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.
Being white
White people are more likely to develop the disease, compared with people of other races.
Having a family history of lymphoma
If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia or another type of B-cell lymphoma, you may have an increased risk.