Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{S.M.}} | {{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{S.M.}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a [[cancer]] of the | [[Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma]] is a [[cancer]] of the [[B-Cells|B lymphocytes]] (a type of [[white blood cell]]). It is [[Association (statistics)|associated]] with the overproduction of [[proteins]] called [[IgM]] [[antibodies]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?== | ==What are the symptoms of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?== | ||
* [[Bleeding]] of the [[gums]] | Following are the common [[symptoms]] [[Observation|observed]] in [[patients]] with [[lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma]]:<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> | ||
* [[Blurred Vision|Blurred]] or decreased vision | * [[Bleeding]] of the [[gums]] | ||
* [[Dizziness]] | * [[Blurred Vision|Blurred]] or decreased [[vision]] | ||
* Easy [[bruising]] of the [[skin]] | * [[Dizziness]] | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * Easy [[bruising]] of the [[skin]] | ||
* [[Headache]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
* [[Mental status]] | * [[Headache]] | ||
* [[Nosebleeds]] | *[[Altered mental status|Mental status changes]] | ||
* [[Numbness]], [[tingling]], or burning [[pain]] in the hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or nose | * [[Nosebleeds]] | ||
* [[Rash]] | * [[Numbness]], [[tingling]], or [[Burn|burning]] [[pain]] in the [[hands]], [[feet]], [[fingers]], [[toes]], [[ears]], or [[nose]] | ||
* Unintentional [[weight loss]] | * [[Rash]] | ||
* [[Vision]] | * Unintentional [[weight loss]] | ||
* [[Vision loss]] in one [[eye]] | |||
Additional [[symptoms]] that may be associated with this [[disease]]: | Additional [[symptoms]] that may be [[Association (statistics)|associated]] with this [[disease]]: | ||
* [[Bluish skin]] discoloration | * [[Bluish skin]] discoloration | ||
* Fingers that change color upon [[pressure]] | * [[Fingers]] that [[Change detection|change]] [[color]] upon [[pressure]] | ||
* [[Flank pain]] | * [[Flank pain]] | ||
* Swollen [[glands]] | * Swollen [[glands]] | ||
==What causes lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?== | ==What causes lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?== | ||
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a result of a condition called [[Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia]]. The cause of the overproduction of the [[IgM]] [[antibody]] is unknown, but researchers believe it is made by [[lymphoma]] cells. | [[Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma]] is a [[result]] of a [[condition]] called [[Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia]]. The [[Causes|cause]] of the overproduction of the [[IgM]] [[antibody]] is unknown, but [[Research|researchers]] believe it is made by [[lymphoma]] [[Cells (biology)|cells]]. | ||
Overproduction of [[IgM]] causes the blood to become too thick. This is called [[hyperviscosity]]. It occasionally makes it harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels. | Overproduction of [[IgM]] [[causes]] the [[blood]] to become too thick. This is called [[hyperviscosity]]. It occasionally makes it harder for [[blood]] to [[flow]] through small [[blood vessels]]. | ||
About 1,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma every year. Most people with this condition are over age 65; however, it may also occur in younger people. | About 1,500 [[People's Solidarity|people]] in the [[United States]] are [[Diagnose|diagnosed]] with [[lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma]] every [[year]]. Most [[People's Solidarity|people]] with this [[condition]] are over [[age]] 65; however, it may also occur in [[Young adult|younger people]]. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Signs may include: | [[Signs]] may include: | ||
* Swollen/[[enlarged spleen]] | * Swollen/[[enlarged spleen]] | ||
* Swollen/[[enlarged liver]] | * Swollen/[[enlarged liver]] | ||
* Swollen/ | *[[Swollen/enlarged lymph nodes]] | ||
* An eye exam may show enlarged veins in the [[retina]] or [[retinal bleeding]] ([[hemorrhages]]) | * An [[eye]] [[Examination|exam]] may show enlarged [[veins]] in the [[retina]] or [[retinal]] [[bleeding]] ([[hemorrhages]]) | ||
Tests may include: | [[Test|Tests]] may include: | ||
* [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) - shows a low number of red blood cells and [[platelets]] | * [[Complete blood count]] ([[CBC]]) - shows a low [[number]] of [[red blood cells]] and [[platelets|platelets]] | ||
* [[Blood chemistry tests|Blood chemistry]] - evidence of [[kidney disease]] | * [[Blood chemistry tests|Blood chemistry]] - [[evidence]] of [[kidney disease]] | ||
* Serum [[viscosity]] test | *[[Serum]] [[viscosity]] [[test]] | ||
* [[Serum protein electrophoresis]] - increased amount of the [[IgM]] [[antibody]]. Levels seen in [[Waldenström's macroglobulinemia|Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia]] are generally greater than 3 g/dL | * [[Serum protein electrophoresis]] - increased [[Amount of substance|amount]] of the [[IgM]] [[antibody]]. Levels seen in [[Waldenström's macroglobulinemia|Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia]] are generally greater than 3 g/dL | ||
* [[Bone marrow examination]] - show cells that resemble both [[lymphocytes]] and [[plasma cells]] | * [[Bone marrow examination]] - show [[Cells (biology)|cells]] that resemble both [[lymphocytes]] and [[plasma cells]] | ||
Additional tests that may be done: | Additional [[Test|tests]] that may be [[done]]: | ||
* 24-hour urine protein | * 24-hour [[urine]] [[protein]] | ||
* [[Total protein]] | * [[Total protein]] | ||
* [[Electrophoresis|Serum globulin electrophoresis]] | * [[Electrophoresis|Serum globulin electrophoresis]] | ||
* [[Immunofixation]] in urine | * [[Immunofixation]] in [[urine]] | ||
* T ([[thymus]] derived) [[lymphocyte]] count | *[[T cell|T]] ([[thymus]] [[derived]]) [[lymphocyte]] count | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call your health care provider if any symptoms of this disorder develop. | [[Call for help|Call]] your [[health care provider]] if any [[symptoms]] of this [[disorder]] [[Development|develop]]. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
* [[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. | * [[Plasmapheresis]] - removes unwanted [[Substance|substances]] from the [[blood]]. In [[macroglobulinemia]], this [[Treatments|treatment]] removes or reduces the high levels of [[Immunoglobulin M|IgM]] and is used to quickly [[control]] the [[symptoms]] [[Causes|caused]] by [[blood]] [[Thickened fluids|thickening]]. | ||
* Drug therapy - may include [[steroids]], [[Leukeran]], [[Alkeran]], [[Cytoxan]], [[fludarabine]], or [[rituximab]], or combinations of [[chemotherapy]] drugs. | * [[Drug therapy]] - may include [[steroids]], [[Leukeran]], [[Alkeran]], [[Cytoxan]], [[fludarabine]], or [[rituximab]], or [[Combination therapy|combinations]] of [[chemotherapy]] [[drugs]]. | ||
* Patients who have a low number of red or [[white blood cells]] or [[platelets]] may need [[transfusions]] or [[antibiotics]]. | *[[Patients]] who have a low [[number]] of [[Red Blood Cells|red]] or [[white blood cells]] or [[platelets]] may need [[transfusions]] or [[antibiotics]]. | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
The average survival is about 6.5 years. Some people live more than 10 years. In some people, LPL may produce few symptoms and progress slowly. | The [[average]] [[Survival rate|survival]] is about 6.5 [[Year|years]]. Some people live more than 10 [[Year|years]]. In some people, [[Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma|LPL]] may [[Product (biology)|produce]] [[Fewmets|few]] [[symptoms]] and progress [[Slow|slowly]]. | ||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
* Changes in mental function, possibly leading to [[coma]] | *[[Altered mental state|Changes in mental function]], possibly leading to [[coma]] | ||
* [[Congestive heart failure]] | * [[Congestive heart failure]] | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]] | * [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:11, 15 August 2019
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Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma |
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Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]
Overview
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It is associated with the overproduction of proteins called IgM antibodies.
What are the symptoms of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?
Following are the common symptoms observed in patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma:[1]
- Bleeding of the gums
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Dizziness
- Easy bruising of the skin
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mental status changes
- Nosebleeds
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or nose
- Rash
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vision loss in one eye
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Bluish skin discoloration
- Fingers that change color upon pressure
- Flank pain
- Swollen glands
What causes lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a result of a condition called Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. The cause of the overproduction of the IgM antibody is unknown, but researchers believe it is made by lymphoma cells.
Overproduction of IgM causes the blood to become too thick. This is called hyperviscosity. It occasionally makes it harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels.
About 1,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma every year. Most people with this condition are over age 65; however, it may also occur in younger people.
Diagnosis
Signs may include:
- Swollen/enlarged spleen
- Swollen/enlarged liver
- Swollen/enlarged lymph nodes
- An eye exam may show enlarged veins in the retina or retinal bleeding (hemorrhages)
Tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) - shows a low number of red blood cells and platelets
- Blood chemistry - evidence of kidney disease
- Serum viscosity test
- Serum protein electrophoresis - increased amount of the IgM antibody. Levels seen in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are generally greater than 3 g/dL
- Bone marrow examination - show cells that resemble both lymphocytes and plasma cells
Additional tests that may be done:
- 24-hour urine protein
- Total protein
- Serum globulin electrophoresis
- Immunofixation in urine
- T (thymus derived) lymphocyte count
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if any symptoms of this disorder develop.
Treatment
- Plasmapheresis - removes unwanted substances from the blood. In macroglobulinemia, this treatment removes or reduces the high levels of IgM and is used to quickly control the symptoms caused by blood thickening.
- Drug therapy - may include steroids, Leukeran, Alkeran, Cytoxan, fludarabine, or rituximab, or combinations of chemotherapy drugs.
- Patients who have a low number of red or white blood cells or platelets may need transfusions or antibiotics.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The average survival is about 6.5 years. Some people live more than 10 years. In some people, LPL may produce few symptoms and progress slowly.
Possible complications
- Changes in mental function, possibly leading to coma
- Congestive heart failure
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Vision problems