What does an M spike indicate?
A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
How serious is M spike?
Most people who have M proteins in their blood don’t go on to develop further health problems. However, a small number of people with MGUS will develop serious cancers or conditions of the blood, such as multiple myeloma.
Can M spike decrease?
The urine M-spike, however, requires at least a 50% and 90% decrease for minimal and partial responses (1, 2).
What percentage of MGUS turns into multiple myeloma?
A new study suggests that a person’s risk of progressing from a benign condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, can change over time. On average, about 1% of people with MGUS go on to develop multiple myeloma each year.
How long can you live with monoclonal gammopathy?
Data from the Mayo Clinic showed that the median survival of MGUS patients was 8.1 years compared to 11.8 in the comparable US population.
What are the symptoms of monoclonal gammopathy?
Symptoms of monoclonal gammopathies vary among these conditions, but can include:
- Anemia or low red blood cells counts.
- Lack of energy (fatigue) or tiredness.
- Weakness.
- Pain in the bones or soft tissues.
- Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands.
- Infection that keeps coming back.
- Increased bruising.
- Bleeding.
Does MGUS shorten life expectancy?
In summary, we found that individuals diagnosed with MGUS in a clinical setting had a significantly reduced life expectancy.
What do you need to know about monoclonal gammopathy?
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) 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. The protein is produced in a type of white blood cell (plasma cells) in your bone marrow.
Can a serum monoclonal spike be pathognomonic?
Abstract. A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS occurs in around 3% of people older than 50…
Do you need to follow up with a monoclonal spike?
Conclusions and remarks. A monoclonal spike is a frequent finding in the general population. It is typically incidentally diagnosed as MGUS or SMM and requires no treatment, although follow up is warranted due to a lifelong risk of progression to MM or related malignancies.
Where does gammopathy occur in an older man?
This abnormal protein is formed within your bone marrow, the soft, blood-producing tissue that fills in the center of most of your bones. The disorder occurs most commonly in older men.