Immune System and Tumors in Myotonic Dystrophy
Hypogammaglobulinemia: Antibodies are part of the immune system. They circulate in the blood and provide resistance to viral or bacterial infections. Collectively, antibodies are referred to as immunoglobulins. Myotonic dystrophy is associated wth a modest reduction in the amount of immunoglobulin in the blood. Researchers have determined that this is not a problem with the immune system. The production of antibodies is normal, however the antibodies do not last as long in the circulation, hence the amount in the blood at any time is somewhat reduced. The myotonic dystrophy-associated reduction of immunoglobulin appears to be well tolerated. So far there is no clear evidence that alteration is associated with an increased frequency of infection.
Tumors: People with myotonic dystrophy DM1 have an increased frequency of pilomatrixoma, a rare type of benign skin tumor. This type of tumor is rare in the general population but fairly common in people with myotonic dystrophy DM1. No association with DM2 has been reported. Pilomatrixomas feel like firm lumps just beneath the surface of the skin, often around the head or neck. These benign tumors are not cancer, and they are cured by surgical removal. Some have suggested that DM1 may also be associated with an increased frequency of other types of tumors, such as, tumors of the parathyroid, pituitary, or thymus glands. However, at this point there is no clear evidence to support this idea.
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