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A monoclonal
gammopathy of undetermined significance is a buildup of monoclonal
antibodies produced by abnormal but noncancerous plasma cells.
In general, monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance do not cause significant health problems. These disorders do not usually cause symptoms, so they are almost always discovered by chance when laboratory tests are performed for other purposes, such as to measure protein in the blood. However, the monoclonal antibody can bind to nerves and lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness.
The M-protein levels in people with a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance often remain stable for years—25 years in some people—and do not require treatment.
For unknown reasons, in about one quarter of people with these disorders, there is a progression to a cancerous disorder, such as multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, or B-cell lymphoma, often after many years. This progression cannot be prevented. People with a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance are usually monitored with a physical examination and blood and sometimes urine tests about twice a year, to determine if a progression to cancer is beginning to occur. If progression is detected early, symptoms and complications of the cancerous disorder may be prevented or treated sooner.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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