Get answers for your health queries from top Doctors for FREE!

100% Privacy Protection

100% Privacy Protection

We maintain your privacy and data confidentiality.

Verified Doctors

Verified Doctors

All Doctors go through a stringent verification process.

Quick Response

Quick Response

All Doctors go through a stringent verification process.

Reduce Clinic Visits

Reduce Clinic Visits

Save your time and money from the hassle of visits.

Ask Free Question

  1. Home >
  2. Blogs >
  3. Low IgM levels and Cancer
  • Cancer

Low IgM levels and Cancer

By Sakshi More| Last Updated at: 18th Nov '24| 16 Min Read
Blog Banner Image

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by being the first defense against infections. Understanding how low IgM levels relate to cancer can help in early diagnosis. It can also aid in managing health risks better. 

These are among the most common primary immunodeficiencies. 

  • The prevalence of specific IgM deficiency (where only IgM is low, without other immunoglobulin deficiencies) is less clear but rare.
  • The risk of cancer is higher for people with IgM deficiencies. It is higher than for the general population. 
  • For lymphomas, the risk can increase up to 25 times, depending on the type of immunodeficiency.

What Happens if Immunoglobulin is Low?

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is an antibody that plays a key role in the immune system. It's the first antibody your body makes to fight off an infection. It acts as a primary defense against germs like bacteria and viruses. You can find IgM in your blood and lymph fluid, which helps stop infections formed by bacteria and viruses. Understanding IgM's function and levels is important. It helps identify immune system diseases and ensure your immune system works well. Low immunoglobulin levels hamper the body's ability to fight infections. This can lead to more infections. In some cases, it may show hidden health issues. These include immune system disorders and some cancers.

Are you ready to learn more about your immune system? Contact us now!  and get expert advice on how your IgM levels work.

What is the Most Common Reason for Low IgM Levels?

The most common reasons for low IgM levels include:

  • Genetic Immunodeficiency Disorders: Conditions like Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) and Selective IgM Deficiency, where the body produces less IgM.
  • Chronic Illnesses: Diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or other malignancies that affect the bone marrow and reduce antibody production.
  • Medication Effects: Use of certain medications, including immunosuppression and chemotherapy agents, that can inhibit immunoglobulin production.
  • Protein Losing Conditions: Diseases where proteins, including immunoglobulins, are lost excessively from the body, such as protein-losing enteropathy or nephrotic syndrome.

Let us understand more about what this means for your health.

Causes of Low IgM Levels in Cancer Patients

Causes of Low IgM Levels in Cancer Patients

Low IgM levels in cancer patients can be attributed to several factors:

  • Bone Marrow Involvement: Cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma that directly affect the bone marrow can impair the production of IgM.
  • Chemotherapy and Radiation: These cancer treatments can suppress the immune system, reducing IgM production.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: These are common in cancer. They can hurt the body's ability to make IgM.
  • Chronic Immune Stimulation: Ongoing immune response to cancer can exhaust resources, including IgM.
  • Medication Side Effects: Some cancer drugs can lower immunoglobulin levels.

What Disease is Related to Low Immunoglobulin Levels?

Disease is Related to Low Immunoglobulin Levels

Diseases associated with low immunoglobulin levels include:

  • Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID): CVID is a disorder. Several immunoglobulins, including IgM, characterize it with low levels.
  • Selective IgM Deficiency: A specific immunodeficiency where only IgM is significantly reduced.
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): This is genetic. It affects all immune cells and antibodies, including IgM.
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is a type of cancer. It can suppress the immune system and hurt immunoglobulin production.
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathy: Conditions causing protein loss through the gut, impacting IgM levels.
  • Nephrotic Syndrome: It is a kidney disorder. It causes excessive protein loss in urine. This loss can include a lot of IgM.

Don't worry we've got you. Book an Appointment today to get expert guidance for your health.

Symptoms of Low IgM Levels

  • Frequent Infections: Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness not alleviated by rest.
  • Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss without changes in diet or exercise habits.

Treatment for Low IgM

Treatment for Low IgM

To treat low IgM levels, the approach should be tailored to the underlying cause of the deficiency:

  1. Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (IRT): This therapy involves IVIG or SCIG infusions. They provide the missing antibodies, which help to bolster the immune system.
  2. Medications: They may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and treat autoimmune conditions. Or, they may include antibiotics to prevent infections.
  3. Lifestyle Adjustments: It can strengthen your immune system. You can achieve this by eating well, exercising often, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene. They can help lower the risk of infections.
  4. Regular Monitoring: It requires frequent medical check-ups and blood tests. They need to check the condition and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
  5. Specialized Consultation: It is a key. You must consult with healthcare professionals who specialize in immunodeficiencies.

What can you do if you're at risk? Don't worry, managing your IgM levels might be easier than you think.
Here are some effective strategies.

Prevention Tips for Low IgM Levels

Prevention Tips for Low IgM Levels

  • Regular health screenings: Get regular health screenings. Schedule routine check-ups. They track immunoglobulin levels and overall health.
  • Balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet. It should be rich in vitamins and minerals. They support the immune system.
  • Adequate Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help maintain healthy bodily functions.
  • Vaccinations: Get recommended vaccines to prevent infections. They can be worse for people with low IgM.
  • Good Hygiene Practices: Wash hands regularly. Avoid close contact with sick people. Also, other hygiene measures should be practiced to reduce infection risk.
  • Stress Management: Manage stress by doing regular exercise. Stress-reducing practices like yoga or meditation should also be implemented. These habits boost immune health.
  • Avoid Immunosuppressive Substances: Limit exposure to things that weaken the immune system. These include too much alcohol and certain medications. Do this under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Low IgM levels are a big health concern. But, understanding and managing their causes can reduce risks. Regular medical oversight is crucial for those at risk of or experiencing low IgM levels.



FAQs

  1. Is IgM deficiency serious?

Yes, IgM deficiency can be serious. It weakens the immune system. This makes it less able to fight infections and may cause other health issues.

  1. What is a normal IgM level in adults?

Normal IgM levels in adults range from 40 to 230 mg/dL. The range varies a bit depending on the testing method and patient age.

  1. Can an infection cause low IgM?

Yes, some infections can pause IgM production. The immune system shifts resources to fight the invader.

Related Blogs

Blog Banner Image

Dr. Sandeep Nayak - Best Oncologist in Bangalore

Dr. Sandeep Nayak - Best oncologist in Bangalore. Experience of 19 years. Consults at Fortis, MACS & Ramakrishna. To book an appointment, call @ +91-98678 76979

Blog Banner Image

Eye Cancer Treatment in India: Advanced Care Solutions

Explore advanced eye cancer treatment in India. Renowned specialists, state-of-the-art facilities ensure comprehensive care and better outcomes. Discover options today!

Blog Banner Image

PET Scan in Mumbai: Revealing Insights with Advanced Imaging

You’ll find all the available details for the PET scan in Mumbai on this page.

Blog Banner Image

Cancer Treatment in India: Costs, Hospitals, Doctors 2024

Discover cutting-edge cancer treatment in India. Renowned specialists, advanced technology ensure comprehensive care and better outcomes. Explore options today!

Blog Banner Image

Organ Specific Cancer Treatment in India

Organ-specific cancer treatment in India. Explore cutting-edge therapies, compassionate care, and renewed possibilities for healing. Learn more now!

Blog Banner Image

Best Medical Tourism Companies in India 2024 List

Experience world-class healthcare with India's top-rated medical tourism companies—your path to quality treatment starts here!

Blog Banner Image

10 best-hospitals in istanbul updated 2022

Searching for the top hospitals in Istanbul? Here’s a list of the 10 Best Hospitals in Istanbul for world-class medical care.

Blog Banner Image

15 Best Places of Hair Donation for Cancer Patients in India

Explore the best places for hair donation for cancer patients in India. Join the meaningful movement with our guide to Hair Donation for Cancer Patients in India, making a positive impact with every strand

Question and Answers

. Heterogeneous Soft Tissue Nodule in the Right Lower Lobe (RLL) Size: 14 x 8 mm This nodule is described as heterogeneously enhancing, which suggests it may have varying levels of blood flow or different tissue densities within it. This could be indicative of a tumor. 2. Air Space Opacification in the Right Upper Lobe (RUL) Finding: There is patchy air space opacification with interlobular septal thickening in the posterior segment of RUL. This could represent infection, inflammation, or more concerningly, metastatic disease or lung cancer causing these changes. 3. Left-sided Pleural Effusion and Subsegmental Atelectasis Pleural Effusion: Mild left-sided pleural effusion is noted. Pleural effusion can occur in the context of metastatic disease or cancer. Atelectasis: This refers to partial lung collapse, which may occur when there is a mass obstructing the airflow or due to pleural fluid. 4. Enlarged Mediastinal and Hilar Lymph Nodes Lymphadenopathy: There are multiple enlarged and necrotic lymph nodes, most notably in the right hilar region, with the largest measuring 35 x 25 mm. Enlargement and necrosis of lymph nodes can be a sign of metastatic spread. The presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum and hilum is typical of malignancy spreading beyond the primary lung site. 5. Liver Lesion Size: 14 x 13 mm lesion in the right hepatic lobe, which is well-defined and peripherally enhancing. A hypodense lesion could indicate a metastatic tumor, especially since it shows peripheral enhancement, a characteristic of some types of metastases. 6. Skeletal Lesions Multiple Lesions: There are mixed lytic and sclerotic bony lesions, some with soft tissue components. These lesions involve the vertebrae, ribs, glenoids, sternum, sacral ala, iliac bones, and femur. Soft Tissue Components: Some of the lesions, such as those in the ribs and iliac bones, have a soft tissue component, which suggests more advanced involvement, possibly indicating metastases. 7. Other Findings: No signs of emphysema, bronchiectasis, or pneumothorax were noted, which is reassuring as it reduces the likelihood of certain types of lung diseases. The liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and prostate all appear normal on imaging, which helps to rule out major issues in these organs. Impression: The findings of a heterogeneously enhancing solitary pulmonary nodule in the right lung, with associated hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, along with a hepatic lesion and extensive skeletal involvement (with mixed lytic and sclerotic lesions), strongly raise concern for metastatic disease, most likely originating from the lung. The primary lung cancer is a potential consideration, though other primary sites are also possible. Next Steps: Histopathological correlation: This means a biopsy or tissue sample should be taken from one of the lesions (pulmonary, hepatic, or bone) to confirm whether the lesions are malignant and, if so, to identify the type of cancer. This will help determine the best course of treatment. The overall picture suggests a metastatic malignancy, likely of pulmonary origin, but further investigations and biopsy are essential to establish a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Male | 58

Answered on 8th Mar '25

Dr. Donald Babu

Dr. Donald Babu

আমার বাবার মেটাসেট ক্যান্সার। বাবার চিকিৎসা কি আছে।

Male | 56

মেটাস্টেটিক ক্যান্সার হল এক ধরনের জটিল রোগ যেখানে ক্যান্সার শরীরের অন্য অংশে ছড়িয়ে পড়ে। উপসর্গগুলোর মধ্যে সাধারণ ক্লান্তি, ওজন কমানো, এবং স্থানীয় ব্যথা অন্তর্ভুক্ত থাকতে পারে। চিকিৎসায় প্রচলিত পদ্ধতিগুলো যেমন কেমোথেরপি, রেডিয়েশন এবং ইমিউনথেরাপি রয়েছে। সঠিক প্রক্রিয়া নির্ধারণের জন্য রোগীর অবস্থা এবং স্বাস্থ্যের উপর ভিত্তি করে বিশেষজ্ঞ চিকিৎসক ভালোভাবে পর্যালোচনা করবেন। সর্বদা চিকিৎসকের সাথে আলোচনা করে পরিকল্পনা তৈরি করা উচিত, যাতে আপনি সঠিক নির্দেশনা এবং সমর্থন পেতে পারেন। আশা রাখি, আপনার বাবা ভাল হয়ে উঠবেন এবং প্রয়োজনীয় যত্ন পেতে পারবেন।

Answered on 12th Feb '25

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

Cancer Hospitals In Other Cities

Top Related Speciality Doctors In Other Cities

Cost Of Related Treatments In Country

Consult