Multiple myeloma damages the immune system with cancer-infected plasma cells. There are various risk factors for multiple myeloma. One of the common reasons that increase the chances of developing multiple myeloma is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is caused due to excessive production of abnormal proteins known as M-protein in the blood. These proteins get deposited in the bone marrow and develop to form tumors leading to multiple myeloma.
Let us look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods for MGUS below.
1. Symptoms
MGUS is commonly found in African-American people and older men as compared to caucasians and women. It is considered as one of the major risk factors for multiple myeloma. Not all people affected by MGUS may develop multiple myeloma but all patients with multiple myeloma have had a medical history of MGUS. Most often, the symptoms are not very evident and cannot be experienced at an early stage. However, there are rare chances of experiencing symptoms such as rashes and nerve problems such as numbness and tingling. MGUS can also be detected by blood tests. It is advisable to get a blood check ups done regularly to check protein levels above the age of 60.
2. Causes
The actual cause of MGUS hasn’t been discovered yet. However, it is considered that genetic mutation and environmental changes play a major role in causing MGUS. Some of the common risk factors include the following:
- Age
Usually MGUS is diagnosed above the age of 60
- Race
African-Americans and Africans are most likely to get affected by MGUS as compared to Caucasians.
- Sex
MGUS is more often found in men
- Family
It is a genetic disorder that is passed on from generations and one may be at a higher risk when there is a family history of MGUS
3. Complications
Every year, about 1% of the population affected by MGUS get infected by various types of blood cancer; therefore, MGUS is considered as one of the major risk factors for multiple myeloma. It also leads to various other deadly diseases such as light chain amyloidosis, lymphoma, and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Also, MGUS patients experience complications such as bone fractures, kidney problems, and blood clots.
4. Diagnosis
MGUS is commonly diagnosed during blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, and bone marrow tests. These tests are usually recommended to diagnose other underlying diseases.
5. Treatments
Once MGUS is detected by a blood check-up, a doctor will recommend treatments according to the severity of the infection. Usually, doctors say that MGUS alone does not require any treatment unless it leads to any deadly disease. Also, medication to increase bone density may also be provided in the case of osteoporosis. Most often, MGUS patients are called in for regular blood check ups to monitor the level of M-protein.
Doctors also advise having a close watch on symptoms such as the following:
- Night sweats or fever
- Weakness and tiredness
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bone pain
- Nausea, headache, nerve pain, and changes in hearing and vision
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abnormal bleeding
