How Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Diagnosed?

Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. Each of these tests provides different information that helps in confirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of the disease.

Blood Tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the amount of different types of cells in the blood. In Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, the levels of red blood cells may be low (anemia) due to the high levels of IgM protein in the blood.
• Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP): This test is used to measure the levels of different proteins in the blood. In Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, there is usually a high level of a specific type of protein called IgM.
• Immunofixation: This test is used to identify the specific type of protein in the blood. It can confirm the presence of IgM protein, which is characteristic of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia.

Bone Marrow Tests:

• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: These tests involve taking a small sample of bone marrow from the hip bone and examining it under a microscope. In Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, the bone marrow usually has an increased number of abnormal cells that produce IgM protein.
• Cytogenetic Analysis: This test looks at the chromosomes of the cells in the bone marrow. It can help identify any genetic changes that may be causing the disease.

Imaging Tests:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This test uses x-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It can help identify any enlarged lymph nodes or organs, which can be a sign of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It can help identify any areas of bone damage caused by the disease.

A Summary of Diagnosing Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

Diagnosing Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia involves a combination of blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. Blood tests can identify the presence and levels of IgM protein, which is characteristic of the disease. Bone marrow tests can confirm the presence of abnormal cells that produce IgM protein and identify any genetic changes. Imaging tests can identify any physical changes in the body caused by the disease. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive picture of the disease and help guide treatment decisions.

Want to Learn More About Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?
• How Long Will I Live With Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?
• How Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?