What is mgus

But people with MGUS have a greater risk of getting serious diseases of the bone marrow and blood. The exact cause of MGUS is not known. Infection, immune system problems, and the environment may play a role. But experts have not found a clear link yet.

Experts do know that the abnormal proteins are not caused by a certain diet or from eating dietary proteins. The chance of getting MGUS grows with age, but it is not common. There is no risk of monoclonal gammopathies in first-degree family members.

This means screening of siblings and children is not needed. MGUS causes no symptoms. In fact, monoclonal protein in the blood is often found by accident when doing other routine blood work. Most people who have abnormal proteins in their blood will never get worse. But in some cases, these illnesses can develop:. Once abnormal proteins are found in the blood, more testing is needed. A blood screening and sometimes a urine screening is recommended.

This is often done with a lab test called electrophoresis. This test separates proteins based on their size and other factors. There is a small risk of MGUS developing into a cancer, such as myeloma or lymphoma. If this happens, it can cause certain symptoms. Always contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:. Your doctor may also recommend you have regular blood tests. These will be like the ones you had at diagnosis.

In the first year you may have blood tests every few months. If after this your blood tests are normal and you have no new symptoms, you have blood tests less often. If you have new symptoms or blood tests show changes, such as a rising paraprotein level, your doctor may arrange more tests for you. Not everyone with MGUS needs regular follow-up appointments and blood tests. For some people, the chance of it causing problems in their lifetime is so small no checks are needed.

But it is still important to tell your doctor if you get any of the symptoms mentioned above. If you are told you have MGUS and need further tests, it is natural to feel worried. But most people with MGUS do not go on to develop cancer. Talk to your doctor if you feel anxious a lot.

They can explain more about your risk and arrange counselling for you if needed. On this page. What is MGUS? MGUS is not a cancer, but people with it have a slightly higher risk of developing: myeloma a cancer of blood cells called plasma cells lymphoma a cancer of blood cells called lymphocytes. Age MGUS is more common in older people. It is rare in people under the age of Ethnicity MGUS is more common in black people than in white people.

Gender MGUS is almost twice as common in men than in women. Family history People who have a close family member such as a parent, brother or sister with MGUS have a slightly increased risk of developing it.

Some autoimmune disorders may slightly increase the risk of developing MGUS. These include lupus and pernicious anaemia. These can help rule out other causes of elevated protein levels and can check for kidney damage. Urine tests. A hour urine collection can help determine if abnormal protein is being released into your urine. It can also assess any resulting kidney damage. Imaging tests. The images can help your doctor find bone abnormalities related to MGUS.

Your bone density also might need to be checked. Bone marrow test. A hollow needle can remove a portion of your bone marrow from the back of one of your hipbones. Bone marrow analysis is generally done only when you're at risk of developing a more serious disease or if you have unexplained anemia, kidney failure, bone lesions or high calcium levels. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Goldman L, et al. Plasma cell disorders. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine.

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