Description

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition in which an abnormal protein found in the blood. The protein called monoclonal protein or M protein.

This protein is made in the soft, blood-producing tissue in the center of the bones. This blood-producing tissue of the bone marrow. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance occurs with greater frequency in older men.

MGUS usually causes no problems. But sometimes it can lead to more serious diseases. These include some forms of blood cancer.

People who have high amounts of this protein in the blood that need regular check-ups. This is so that they can get early treatment if the condition gets worse. If this is not the worst, MGUS do not need treatment.

Symptoms

People with monoclonal gammopathy often have no symptoms. Some people have a rash or nerve problems such as numbness or tingling. A blood test for another condition might find MGUS by chance.

Causes

Experts do not know what causes MGUS . The changes in genes and being around certain chemicals, such as those used to kill the pests, they appear to play a role.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing MGUS include:

  • Age. The average age at diagnosis is 70 years.
  • Of the race. Africans and Black Americans are more likely to MGUS of the white people.
  • Sex. MGUS is more common in men.
  • The history of the family. Having family members with MGUS may increase the risk.

Complications

Each year, about 1% of people with MGUS of developing certain types of cancer of the blood or of other serious illnesses, such as:

  • Multiple myeloma.
  • Light chain amyloidosis.
  • Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
  • The lymphoma.

Other issues related to MGUS include broken bones, blood clots, kidney problems, and damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, also known as peripheral neuropathy.

Diagnosis

Because MGUS usually causes no symptoms, people who have often found by chance during blood tests for other reasons. After that, other tests may include:

  • More blood tests. These can help rule out other causes of the high levels of protein. And you can check for kidney damage.
  • Urine tests. The samples of urine taken for more than 24 hours can help you find out if the abnormal protein in the urine. You can also check for kidney damage.
  • Imaging tests. For people with pain in the bones, a, magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography (PET) can detect problems with the bones of MGUS . You may also need a test to measure bone mass, also known as bone density.
  • Examination of bone marrow. A hollow needle to remove a piece of bone marrow from the back of one of the bones of the hips for the study. This is usually only for those who are at risk of developing a more serious illness or other problems associated with MGUS .

Treatment

MGUS does not require treatment. But to your health care provider is likely that you have to get regular checkups to monitor the condition. Check-ups will likely begin six months after their diagnosis.

Watchful waiting

For those who are in high risk of MGUS, which leads to a more serious condition, more frequent checkups can see the disease. That way, you can start the treatment as soon as possible if necessary.

The symptoms to look out for include:

  • Pain in the bones.
  • Tiredness or weakness.
  • The loss of weight without trying.
  • Fever or night sweats.
  • Headache, dizziness, nerve pain, or changes in vision or hearing.
  • The bleeding.
  • Anemia or other blood irregularities.
  • Inflammation of the lymph nodes, the liver or the spleen.

Medications

Medicine for the bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis, increase bone mass. Examples include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), ibandronate and zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa).

Preparing for your appointment

Your health care provider may refer you to someone who specializes in disorders of the blood, also known as a hematologist.

Here is the information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Ask a family member or friend to go with you. Someone that can help you remember the information that is obtained.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms and when they began. Include symptoms that do not seem to be linked to the reason he made the appointment.
  • The key information about you, including other diseases that you or people in your family have had.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care provider.

For MGUS , basic questions to ask your provider include:

  • What tests do I need?
  • I need to do something to prepare for the exams?
  • How often do I have to go back?
  • Should I start treatment or to change my lifestyle?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?

Be sure to ask all the questions that you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask questions such as:

  • Make the hands or feet, tingling or numbness?
  • Do you have the bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis?
  • Have someone in your family has had MGUS ?
  • Have you ever had a blood clot?
  • Have you ever broken a bone?
  • Has had cancer?
Symptoms and treatment of Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)