| What is MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)? |
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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H. Question I need more explanation on my diagnosis. I had a serum immunofixation test and it came back with IgG-Lambda monoclonal gammopathy. I then did a 24-hour urine test. Now they say it's monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. I was told to come back every six months for more blood work. 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 from Michigan Answer One of the hints about what you have is in the name: monoclonal (one type) gammopathy (abnormal protein) of “undetermined significance”--MGUS for short. Scientists have found an increase in levels of the immunoglobulin M protein in 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. Other than living a healthy lifestyle, you will probably need to have a periodic blood test to make sure the M protein in your blood isn't increasing. If it does, you might require treatment, the earlier the better. The good news is, early treatment slows progression, and four in five with MGUS appear to have no ill effects, leading healthy lives. The bad news is there are a lot of questions yet to be answered about its cause and its significance to your health. The best information I could find on MGUS was at the Mayo Clinic Web site. Mayo is at the forefront of research on MGUS. I found one MGUS 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.
JAMES HUBBARD, M.D., M.P.H., is the publisher of James Hubbard's My Family Doctor , the magazine written by health-care professionals for the general public. He's been a family doctor for over 25 years. Last updated and/or approved: January 2009.Comments (3)
  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.  written by James Hubbard M.D. M.P.H. , March 05, 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. 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. Write comment
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