Monoclonal Gammopathy

Overview

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a common precancerous condition affecting people 50 years of age and older. It was first described by Mayo Clinic researchers in 1978 and is characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein in the blood called a (monoclonal) protein or M protein. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance has a small risk (1 percent each year) of progressing to a blood cancer called multiple myeloma or a related condition.

Why choose Mayo Clinic?

• Experience. Mayo Clinic hematologists diagnose and care for hundreds of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance each year. Experienced pathologists are skilled in the testing and identification of the M protein and determining its potential risk of progression to cancer.
• Research advances. Numerous Mayo Clinic researchers are studying MGUS to better understand it and to improve treatment options. Mayo Clinic researchers developed a new risk-assessment model that can predict risk of progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma.
• Coordinated care. A specialist in blood diseases (hematologist) will oversee your care and bring in other specialists as needed, including neurologists if nerve damage is suspected, nephrologists to prevent kidney failure and dermatologists if skin lesions occur. Access to specialists, testing and treatment is available in one convenient location and can be accomplished in a few days.

Read more about monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance on MayoClinic.com.