Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia include:

• Being older. Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia can occur at any age, but it's most often diagnosed in adults 65 and older.
• Being male. Males are more likely to be diagnosed with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
• Being white. White people are more likely to develop the disease, compared with people of other races.
• Having a family history of lymphoma. If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia or another type of B-cell lymphoma, you may have an increased risk.