Walsh & Hoyt: Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

This disorder is characterized by a proliferation of B-cells that are morphologically intermediate between plasma cells and lymphocytes and that secrete a monoclonal IgM. Presenting symptoms are related to infiltration of lymphoid tissues, anemia, hyperviscosity, or a combination of these mechanisms. In many patients, the disease runs an indolent course. The average age of patients with Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia is 60 years, but there may be an asymptomatic period of many years before diagnosis.