Learn about Macroglobulinemia Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Macroglobulinemia and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Macroglobulinemia

Macroglobulinemia, specifically Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), is a rare, chronic lymphoproliferative disorder managed by specialists in Internal Medicine, particularly Hematology-Oncology. It is characterized by the overproduction of a monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM) protein by malignant lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow. This excess IgM thickens the blood, leading to hyperviscosity syndrome, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, bleeding, vision problems, and neurological issues. Diagnosis involves blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging. Treatment is not always immediate and is tailored to symptoms; options include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and plasmapheresis to manage viscosity. The goal is long-term disease control and symptom management.

Key Highlights

    Provides a definitive diagnosis for a complex blood disorder.Enables personalized treatment planning based on genetic and molecular markers.Offers long-term management strategies to control symptoms and improve quality of life.Involves a multidisciplinary approach led by Internal Medicine specialists.Focuses on managing complications like hyperviscosity syndrome effectively.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Unexplained symptoms such as persistent fatigue, weakness, or unexplained weight loss.
  • Signs of hyperviscosity syndrome: blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, or bleeding from the nose or gums.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen (hepatosplenomegaly).
  • Abnormal blood test results showing high IgM levels, anemia, or low platelet counts.
  • Neurological symptoms like peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling) or confusion.
  • Recurrent infections due to impaired immune function.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive consultation with a hematologist-oncologist to review medical history and symptoms.
  • A series of diagnostic blood tests, including serum protein electrophoresis and quantitative immunoglobulins.
  • Imaging studies like CT scans to assess lymph nodes and organs.
  • Preparation for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, which may involve fasting and arranging for post-procedure transport.
  • Discussion of all current medications and supplements with the doctor.
  • Psychological preparation and counseling regarding the chronic nature of the condition.

Risks & possible complications

  • Complications from bone marrow biopsy: pain, bleeding, or infection at the site.
  • Side effects of systemic therapies: nausea, fatigue, lowered blood counts, and increased infection risk.
  • Infusion-related reactions from biologic or immunotherapy drugs.
  • Progression of hyperviscosity leading to stroke, heart failure, or severe bleeding.
  • Transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma (rare).
  • Long-term risks of secondary cancers from certain treatments.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery from diagnostic procedures like bone marrow biopsy is quick, with rest advised for 24 hours.
  • Management is long-term, involving regular follow-up visits for blood tests and monitoring.
  • Patients may need periodic plasmapheresis sessions to manage high IgM levels.
  • Adherence to prescribed oral or intravenous therapy schedules is crucial.
  • Lifestyle adjustments, including a balanced diet and moderate exercise as tolerated, are recommended.
  • Prompt reporting of new symptoms like fever, severe headaches, or unusual bleeding to the healthcare team is essential.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Varies (Outpatient to several days)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Ongoing management

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering macroglobulinemia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for macroglobulinemia compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 50 Thousand – 800 Thousand Varies (Outpatient to several days) ~ Ongoing management Know More
Turkey TRY 175 Thousand – 2.8 Million Varies (Outpatient to several days) ~ Ongoing management Know More

Top hospitals for Macroglobulinemia in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing macroglobulinemia.

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Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
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89+ Rating

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Angel Ali, a 68-year-old retired school...

Angel Ali, a 68-year-old retired school librarian, had been feeling increasingly fatigued for months. She initially attributed it to aging, but then developed frequent nosebleeds, blurry vision, and a persistent feeling of fullness in her abdomen. Her primary care physician noticed swollen lymph nodes and ordered blood tests, which revealed extremely high IgM levels and anemia. Referred to a hematologist, Dr. Evans explained that Angel had Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, a rare blood cancer. The doctor recommended starting treatment with a targeted therapy combination of rituximab and ibrutinib to lower the abnormal protein and manage symptoms. Angel was terrified by the word 'cancer' but found the oral medication regimen manageable. She experienced some initial fatigue and mild bruising. After six months, her IgM levels dropped significantly, her energy improved, and the nosebleeds stopped. Emotionally, she moved from a state of fear and uncertainty to one of cautious optimism, finding strength in a support group and focusing on enjoying time with her grandchildren.

Internal Medicine Specialists for Macroglobulinemia

Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform macroglobulinemia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Geetha K Subramaniyam K
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

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Dr. Sangeshwaran
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Archana D
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Arun Karthik P
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. C Harish
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Veerendra B Sutar
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Ravi Kumar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Reshu Agrawal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Sanjiv Rao
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Prashant Bhatt
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Gurpreet Singh Dang
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Inderjeet Kaur
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. K Sriram
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. HARIKA UPPALAPATI
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Sharada Shekar
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Dinesh Kamath
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Basavaraj Kuntoji
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Arun Suradkar
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Vichar Shyam Nigam
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Vijay Narasappa Talkad
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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