blood disorders
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
Introduction
A monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is a buildup of monoclonal antibodies produced by abnormal but noncancerous plasma cells. Plasma cells develop from B cells ( B cells ), a type of white blood cell that normally produces In general, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) occurs in more than 5% of people older than 70, but it does not cause significant health problems unless it progresses to Multiple Myeloma or a related serious B-cell disorder. This disorder does not usually cause symptoms, so it is almost always discovered by chance when laboratory tests are done for other purposes, such as to measure protein in the blood. However, the monoclonal antibody can bind to nerves and lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness. People with this disorder also are more likely to have bone loss and fractures. The M-protein levels in people with MGUS often remain stable for years—25 years in some people—and do not require treatment. However, if evaluation shows evidence of significant loss of bone density ( Osteoporosis ), doctors may recommend treatment with bisphosphonates. For unknown reasons, in about one quarter of people with this disorder, there is a progression to a cancer, such as Multiple Myeloma , 