Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Overview

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition in which an abnormal protein (monoclonal protein, or M protein) is in the blood. M protein is produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance usually causes no problems. Sometimes, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is either associated with another disease or can progress over years to other disorders, including some forms of blood cancer.

If you have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, you'll usually have periodic checkups to monitor your level of M protein. If there's no increase, monoclonal gammopathy doesn't require treatment.

With close monitoring, if monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance does progress, you'll get earlier treatment.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic hematologists diagnose and care for hundreds of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) 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 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.

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