Print DiagnosisBecause MGUS usually causes no symptoms, it's usually detected by chance during blood tests for other conditions. Afterwards, your doctor may recommend: More-detailed blood tests. These can help rule out other causes of elevated protein levels and can check for kidney damage. Urine tests. A 24-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. If you are experiencing bone pain, your doctor might recommend an MRI or ositron emission tomography (PET) scan. 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. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)-related health concerns Start Here More InformationMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) care at Mayo ClinicBone marrow biopsyComplete blood count (CBC)Creatinine testX-rayShow more related information TreatmentMGUS doesn't require treatment. But your doctor is likely to recommend periodic checkups to monitor your health, probably starting six months after your diagnosis. Watchful waitingIf you are at high risk of MGUS developing into a more serious condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent checkups so that any progression can be diagnosed and treatment started as soon as possible. Your doctor is likely to watch for signs and symptoms such as: Bone pain Fatigue or weakness Unintentional weight loss Fever or night sweats Headache, dizziness, nerve pain, or changes in vision or hearing Bleeding Anemia or other blood abnormalities Swollen lymph nodes, liver or spleen MedicationsIf you have osteoporosis, your doctor might recommend a medication to increase bone density. Examples include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), ibandronate (Boniva) and zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa). Request an appointment 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 appointmentYou may be referred to a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist). It's a good idea to be well-prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor. What you can do List any symptoms you're experiencing, including those that may seem unrelated to the reason you scheduled the appointment. List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. List all medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses. Ask a family member or friend to come with you. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot. List questions to ask your doctor. For MGUS, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation? How frequently do I need to schedule follow-up visits and testing? Do you recommend any treatment or lifestyle changes? I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together? Don't hesitate to ask other questions you have. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including: Do you have any numbness or tingling in your hands and feet? Do you have osteoporosis? Do you have a family history of MGUS? Have you ever had a blood clot? Have you ever experienced a broken bone? Have you ever had cancer? By Mayo Clinic Staff Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments July 22, 2021 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter 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. Blood Cancers & Disorders Discussions MGUS and quite high Free Kappa Light Chain and Kappa Lambda Ratio 118 Replies Sat, Jun 03, 2023 chevron-right MGUS: Please, let me know I not alone 143 Replies Fri, Jun 02, 2023 chevron-right Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia 66 Replies Fri, Jun 02, 2023 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Goldman L, et al., eds. Plasma cell disorders. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 18, 2019. Ferri FF. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2019. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 18, 2019. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/plasma-cell-disorders/monoclonal-gammopathy-of-undetermined-significance-mgus?query=mgus. Accessed April 18, 2019. Rajhumar SV. Diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 18, 2019. Rajhumar SV. Clinical course and management of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 18, 2019. AskMayoExpert. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (adult). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2019. Morrow ES Jr. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 8, 2019. Pruthi RK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 26, 2019. 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