14 Common Causes of Monoclonal Gammopathy

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, (MGUS), describes the medical condition where abnormal “M-proteins” start to enter the bloodstream. M-proteins form in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue in the bones that produces white blood cells. MGUS is a condition that typically affects men over the age of 70-years old. 

MGUS is challenging for medical professionals to diagnose. The disorder does not produce any noticeable symptoms or stand-alone symptoms in the affected individual. In many cases, the person does not realize they are suffering from the effects of MGUS until they develop another severe life-threatening disease.

In most cases, patients do not experience any noticeable symptoms, but the patient should undergo regular checkups with a doctor to see if the condition progresses into some form of blood cancer. In some circumstances, the patient may develop lymphoma or leukemia as a result of MGUS. Here are eight causes of the condition.

1. Unknown Causes

Medical science does not understand the exact cause of MGUS. The disease typically occurs in men over the age of 70-years old, and at this stage of life, there is a multitude of adverse physical illnesses that could be affecting the occurrence of the condition. People with MGUS experience an increase in M-proteins entering the bloodstream. In most cases, the proteins do not cause any adverse health conditions.

Due to the lack of diagnostic evidence of the disease, it’s very challenging for physicians to pick up on evidence of MGUS in affected individuals. In most cases, the patient will visit the doctor concerning another disease or disorder. The physician takes a blood sample from the patient and sends it to the laboratory for testing.

The Labs will indicate the presence of M-proteins in the bloodstream of the affected individual, along with any other abnormalities that may be causing the patient’s current condition. If diagnosed with MGUS, doctors do not have any specific treatment to assist the patient with recovery or minimizing the amount of M-proteins in the bloodstream.