Monoclonal Gammopathy
Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) is a non-cancerous (benign) condition. A monoclonal gammopathy indicates the presence of abnormal levels of a protein in the blood. It is a diseases and condition in which a low or non-quantifiable level of a monoclonal paraprotein is detected in the blood by means of protein electrophoresis . Monoclonal gammopathy can occur in both sexes and in people of all backgrounds and occupations. In about 80 percent of cases, the abnormal protein does not cause any problems. MGUS can occur at any age, but is more common in older people. It affects 1 in 100 of people over 50, and 3 in 100 of people over 70.
Causes of Monoclonal Gammopathy
The cause of MGUS is unknown, though the same theories that apply to the pathogenesis of MM may be valid in MGUS.
Symptoms of Monoclonal Gammopathy
These disorders do not usually cause symptoms, so they are almost always discovered by chance when laboratory tests are performed for other purposes, such as to measure protein in the blood. Possible symptoms of these cancers might be: feeling very tired ; repeated coughs; colds and other infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; swollen lymph glands; pain ; night sweats; and weight loss.
Treatment for Monoclonal Gammopathy
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is often identified as a result of routine blood tests, or medical care related to another problem. Once a patient has been diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, it is important to have blood tests every year. Doctors will look at the trend of the M-protein levels, whether they are generally stable, or steadily rising.
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