About Macroglobulinemia
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.
-
Typical hospital stay: Varies (Outpatient to several days)
-
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.
Popular choices for macroglobulinemia in India include Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform macroglobulinemia. MediFyr helps you compare internal medicine specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
Top hospitals for Macroglobulinemia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing macroglobulinemia.
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.
- 41 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 22 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 32 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 43 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 21 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 15 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore