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Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
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Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, or MGUS, is a condition that isn't cancer. It happens in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. That's where plasma cells are found, and they make antibodies: the proteins your body uses to defend itself against bacteria and viruses.
In MGUS, some abnormal plasma cells produce M protein, also called monoclonal protein, which explains the word "monoclonal" in the name. M protein is an antibody, but not one the body needs: it doesn't help fight infection. Picture a key factory where a few machines fall out of alignment and start turning out keys that don't open any door.
MGUS may be found during a routine blood or urine test. In some people, it can turn into cancer, such as multiple myeloma. But in most, the amount of M protein stays the same and no symptoms show up.
In brief
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a noncancerous disorder of the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
These cells make antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses. In MGUS, abnormal plasma cells produce M protein (monoclonal protein), an antibody the body doesn't need and that doesn't help fight infection.
MGUS may show up on routine blood or urine tests. In most people, the M protein level stays the same and there are no symptoms, but in some people, MGUS can turn into cancer, such as multiple myeloma.
Sources (2)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), PDQPlasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment (PDQ®), Patient VersionPublished
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), PDQPlasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment (PDQ®), Health Professional VersionPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated