[iluvpugs]

Lab results show M-spike of 0.4 - should I be worried?

by iluvpugs on Fri May 02, 2014 11:09 am

My rheumatologist called me yesterday to say that my blood work showed M-spike of 0.4 and has referred me to a hematologist / oncologist. Should I be concerned? Thank you.

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Lab results show M-spike of 0.4 - should I be worried?

by Ron Harvot on Fri May 02, 2014 1:57 pm

The M spike is noteworthy and indicates that you have excess para protein in an area that is unusual. More tests will be run that will determine if you have active multiple myeloma or something else. The .4 reading is not real high so, although it is not what you wanted to hear, it is not alarming.

By the way I am a happy owner of pug myself and had 2 before our current one.

Ron

[iluvpugs]

Re: Lab results show M-spike of 0.4 - should I be worried?

by iluvpugs on Fri May 02, 2014 2:21 pm

Thanks Ron. I just didn't know what to expect next. Trying to stay positive. We have 2 pugs and they are our babies!

[Dr. Ken Shain]

Re: Lab results show M-spike of 0.4 - should I be worried?

by Dr. Ken Shain on Sun May 04, 2014 11:41 am

The lab result is suggestive of a clonal plasma cell disease / disorder. Although abnormal (normal ~0), it is quite low and likely is associated with a pre-malignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS, usually pronounced "M- GUS"). This is a disease that does not need treatment, but chronic monitoring (semi-annually) as there is a 1% per year rate of progression multiple myeloma.

However, it will be important to see the oncologist to affirm that this MGUS rather than a more active disease (multiple myeloma). If possible, I always recommend that you seek out an oncologist that specializes in myeloma.

Please keep us informed.

[iluvpugs]

Re: Lab results show M-spike of 0.4 - should I be worried?

by iluvpugs on Sun May 04, 2014 5:48 pm

Thank you Dr. Shain.

Are there any specific questions I should ask the oncologist?