Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia helps you have the highest chance for successful treatment. However, the disease can be challenging to diagnose. It is important for a pathologist experienced in Waldenstrom's to read your test results.
Since our experts focus on lymphoma and see more patients than most cancer centers, they are among the most experienced in the country at recognizing Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. These specialists use the most advanced technology and techniques to pinpoint Waldenstrom's.
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Diagnostic Tests
If you have symptoms that may signal Waldenstrom's, your doctor will examine you and ask you questions about your health and your family medical history.
One or more of the following tests may be used to find out if you have Waldenstrom's and if it has spread. These tests also may be used to find out if treatment is working.
Lymph node biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from a lymph node and looked at with a microscope. Sometimes the entire node is removed.
Imaging tests, which may include:
- X-rays
- CT or CAT (computed axial tomography) scans
- PET (positron emission tomography) scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
Blood and urine tests: Blood and urine tests are used to determine and follow levels of abnormal proteins produced by Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. In the blood, these proteins are called monoclonal proteins (M proteins) or paraproteins. They are measured by a test called serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). In the urine, these proteins are known as Bence Jones proteins. They are measured by a urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) on a 24-hour sample of urine. An additional test, called an immunofixation (IFE) may help find small traces of abnormal proteins in either the blood or urine.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
If you have Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, we're here to help. Call 1-877-MDA-6789 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
Why Choose MD Anderson?
- Leading-edge Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia treatments available at only a few centers in the nation, including targeted therapies
- Innovative treatment options with best outcomes and least impact on your body
- High level of experience and expertise in Waldenstrom’s
- Customized care by teams of experts
- Clinical trials of new treatments
Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia Knowledge Center
Treatment at MD Anderson
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is treated in our:
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Staging
Staging is a system of classifying specific cancers by how much disease is in the body and where it has spread when it is diagnosed. Such a system does not exist for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
However, using the International Prognostic Scoring System for Waldenstrom's, experts look at certain factors that may help predict outcomes. Some situations may mean a patient does not do as well. These include:
- Age more than 65
- Hemoglobin level less than 11.5
- Platelet count 100 or less
- Beta-2-microglobulin more than 3 mg/L
- Monoclonal IgM level more than 7 g/dL
In scoring Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, doctors give each of the above factors a single point. Then they assign a patient to a certain group:
- Low risk: Younger than 65 with no more than one point
- Intermediate risk: 65 or older and/or have two points
- High risk: At least three points
Getting a Second Opinion at MD Anderson
The pathologists at MD Anderson are highly specialized in diagnosing and staging Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. We welcome the opportunity to provide second opinions for Waldenstrom's.
If you would like to get a second opinion at MD Anderson, call 1-877-MDA-6789 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.