| What is MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)? |
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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.
Could you please tell me more about this? Maybe even a good Web page or book I could read. Everything I have found says it's only an old person's disease; I am a healthy, active, 34-year-old mother. —Rebecca, Michigan
 It's MGUS for short. Scientists have found an increase in levels of the immunoglobulin M protein in the blood of a few percent of the population, but they're not sure of the significance or the cause. Sometimes, it will progress to the bone-marrow cancer multiple myeloma. This can happen as many as one in five cases. However, most people live healthy lives with no symptoms.Get expert-written articles like this every month in our free health newsletter.
You mentioned that you've read people with MGUS are generally older. The risk of MGUS does go up with age. Most people who have it are over 50. I did find one article in the New England Journal of Medicine noting that 24 of the 1,384 patients in this particular study were under 40 years old. It appears we need to learn a lot before we can take off the “undermined significance” part of the name.
Last updated and/or approved: October 2011. This general health-care information is not meant as individual advice. Please see our disclaimer.  Comments (35)
  written by Leigh Ann , October 12, 2010 Hi, Carl. Thank you for the question. You may find the PDF doc*ment at the following link, from Myeloma Canada, helpful: myeloma.org/pdfs/PHCanada.pdf It explains that myeloma can result in anemia (a symptom of which can be feeling very tired), and one treatment option is supplementation: "If your anemia is due to a change in your diet, eating a healthier diet or taking iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid (folate) supplements may help. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any non-prescription, over-the-counter iron or vitamin supplement, or any herbal remedy. Some supplements or remedies can interact with prescription medications." Hope this helps--and that you get your energy back soon. Leigh Ann Otte Managing Editor, MyFamilyDoctorMag.com report abuse
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 written by Carl Kiefer , October 07, 2010 I iwas just diagnosed with MGUS, will continue blood tests regularly. Told by Dr. to take vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. I am extremely tired all the time. Will the vitamins help? report abuse
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 written by kris , March 23, 2009 I was also diagnosed with MGUS (IGG) at the Mayo Clinic. Some people with MGUS DO have symptoms. I was told that my neurological symptoms are due to MGUS. There have been studies that confirm that MGUS does cause symptoms in some people. Do a search on MGUS with symptoms or Neurological symtoms and MGUS - you will find much information about this. report abuse
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 written by James Hubbard M.D. M.P.H. , March 04, 2009 Hi Becky: If you continue your routine blood tests your doctor should be able to recognize any problems before you notice any symptoms I know it is difficult, but worry and stress are not good. If you have not already, make an appointment specifically to talk to your doctor, questions and notes in hand. Until more is found out, you will need the blood tests for a lifetime. Likely nothing will ever develop worse, but if it does, early recognition and treatment is essential to recovery. Again, there are no warning signs or symptoms anywhere close to as early as an abnormal blood test. report abuse
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written by Becky , March 04, 2009 So I too have Igg Lambda monoclonal gammapathy, (MGUS)this is the same thing correct? other than see my doctor every 6 months, what symptoms do I rule out and what symptoms may mean that I need to warn my doctor. I am lost please help me too. report abuse
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