ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are the risk factors for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia?

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia:

• Age. The risk of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia increases with age. It occurs most commonly in people older than 60.

• Sex. Men are more likely to develop Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia than women.

• Race. White people are more likely to develop Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia than Black people.

• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is a buildup of monoclonal antibodies produced by abnormal plasma cells. MGUS does not generally cause symptoms or many health problems, although the abnormal antibody can occasionally bind to nerves and cause muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness. In rare cases, the monoclonal antibody can lead to a decrease in kidney function. But about 20% of people with MGUS will develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma within 20 years.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what body changes or medical problems Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.