Their main job is to make antibodies to fight infection. The most common condition linked with these abnormal proteins is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance MGUS. It is not cancer. But people with MGUS have a greater risk of getting serious diseases of the bone marrow and blood.
The exact cause of MGUS is not known. Infection, immune system problems, and the environment may play a role. But experts have not found a clear link yet. Experts do know that the abnormal proteins are not caused by a certain diet or from eating dietary proteins.
The chance of getting MGUS grows with age, but it is not common. It's most common in people older than There is no risk for monoclonal gammopathies in first-degree family members. This means screening of siblings and children is not needed. MGUS causes no symptoms. In fact, monoclonal protein in the blood is often found by accident when doing other routine blood work. Most people who have abnormal proteins in their blood will never get worse.
But in some cases, these illnesses can develop:. Once abnormal proteins are found in the blood, more testing is needed. MGUS causes no symptoms. In fact, monoclonal protein in the blood is often found by accident when doing other routine blood work. Most people who have abnormal proteins in their blood will never get worse. But in some cases, these illnesses can develop:. Once abnormal proteins are found in the blood, more testing is needed.
A blood screening and sometimes a urine screening is recommended. This is often done with a lab test called electrophoresis. This test separates proteins based on their size and other factors. Depending on the results of those tests, more testing may be done. A diagnosis of MGUS without any other symptoms usually does not call for more testing. This usually includes regular physical exams and blood work. This will help find problems as early as possible.
Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes monoclonal gammopathies? What are the risk factors for monoclonal gammopathies?
What are the symptoms of monoclonal gammopathies? Factors that increase your risk of developing MGUS include:. Other complications associated with MGUS include bone fractures, blood clots and kidney problems.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance MGUS is a condition in which an abnormal protein — known as monoclonal protein or M protein — is in your blood.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Goldman L, et al. Plasma cell disorders. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.
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