Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

Diagnosis

MGUS is usually discovered with blood tests done for other conditions or for regular checkups. When M proteins are found, you have more tests to better understand the condition and to see if there are signs of cancer or other organ damage. These tests include:

• Blood tests. Laboratory tests of blood samples tell your healthcare team more about the M proteins in your body and can show signs of organ damage.
• Urine tests. Urine samples taken over 24 hours can help show M proteins and signs of kidney damage.
• Imaging tests. You may have imaging tests of the whole body to rule out damage to the bone or changes in the bone marrow.
• Bone marrow test. A hollow needle removes a piece of bone marrow from the back of one of the hip bones for study. This test usually is only for those at risk of more-serious disease.
• Bone density test. You may have an X-ray test to measure the density of bone and detect signs of osteoporosis.

Treatment

MGUS doesn't require treatment. Your care team schedules regular checkups to repeat blood and urine tests to find any increases in M proteins. You may have additional tests if a change in M proteins suggests an increased risk of cancer or other diseases.

Watchful waiting

You'll likely have a first follow-up exam within 3 to 6 months after a diagnosis of MGUS. Your healthcare team determines how often to repeat exams depending on the risk of MGUS leading to cancer or other diseases.

Talk with your healthcare professional if you have new symptoms. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Bone pain.
• Tiredness or weakness.
• Weight loss without trying.
• Fever with no apparent cause.
• Frequent infections.
• Tingling or numbness in legs or arms.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.
• Trouble breathing.
• Confusion or trouble thinking.

Medicines

If you develop osteoporosis, you may be prescribed a medicine called a bisphosphonate to slow the loss of bone tissue. Examples include alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) and ibandronate.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Preparing for your appointment

Your healthcare professional may refer you to a doctor who specializes in blood conditions, called a hematologist.

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Ask a family member or friend to go with you. Someone who's with you can help you remember the information you get.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began. Include symptoms that don't seem linked to the reason you made the appointment.
• Key information, including other illnesses you or people in your family have had.
• All medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses and the reasons for taking them.
• Questions to ask your healthcare professional.

For MGUS, basic questions to ask your health professional include:

• What tests do I need?
• Do I need to do something to get ready for tests?
• How often do I need to come back?
• Should I start treatment or change my lifestyle?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

Be sure to ask all the questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Do your hands or feet tingle or feel numb?
• Have you had broken bones?
• Have you had a diagnosis of osteoporosis?
• Has someone in your family had MGUS or cancer of the blood?
• Have you ever had a blood clot?

Living with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community.

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