What is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)?

A precursor to myeloma, called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), occurs in about 5% of the population over age 70. The rate of progression from MGUS to myeloma is just over 1% per year. MGUS may also transform to other malignant blood disorders.

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) is a blood condition in which a person's body makes too many of the same type of protein that fight infections. The blood has a large number of different proteins called the plasma proteins. One type of protein is called gamma globulin. Normally, many different types of gamma globulin are made to fight different infections. When most of the protein being made is all from cells of the original (clone) gamma globulin protein, this is called monoclonal gammopathy.

Most people with MGUS have a low monoclonal protein level. Generally, MGUS does not cause symptoms or major health problems. It is often found by chance when lab tests are done for other reasons, such as to measure the level of protein in the blood. Monoclonal antibodies can attach to nerves and cause numbness, tingling and weakness.

Most people with MGUS are fine for many years and do not need any treatment. In some cases MGUS can change and progress to a cancer, such as multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia or B-cell lymphoma. People with MGUS may need a physical exam, blood tests and urine tests two times a year to see if it is progressing to cancer so that treatment can be started early.