Living with Gamma heavy chain disease (clinical)
A rare immune system disease of older adults in which cells make an abnormal protein, sometimes causing swollen lymph nodes and anemia.
Understanding Gamma heavy chain disease (clinical)
People make too much of an abnormal gamma heavy chain, a protein used to build antibodies. It mainly affects older adults. Some people have no symptoms, while others have many and can develop an aggressive form of lymphoma. It is one of three types of heavy chain disease.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
- Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Fatigue
- Fever
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is unknown. About one-third of people with this condition have an autoimmune disease.
Also known as: franklin disease; franklin's disease; gamma heavy chain disease; gamma-chain disease; gamma-hcd; gamma-heavy chain disease
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Gamma heavy chain disease (clinical).
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