Hi,
My first MGUS dx was in 2004 (I found out this year) and I have only had SPEP tests done. I am IgG Lambda and M Spike is 0.2 and has been the same in 2004, 2008 and 2011. Do I still need to have a full work up done if the M spike is stable? My primary doc says to repeat SPEP in a year - he sent a letter - I hadn't done any research on MGUS when I received the letter so I didn't know anything about MGUS nor what to ask the doc.
I know MGUS is not uncommon at my age (69). I do have multiple sclerosis and have been treating this for 11 years - with first symptoms 22 years ago. I do have right hip pain that started in March, the Orthopedist gave me a cortisone shot; but I still have some pain - more with activity. So I'm thinking maybe I should get a skeletal survey. And some of the tests I have been reading about can be somewhat prognostic in nature. I don't have FLC numbers and do not know my kappa/lambda ratio.
Thanks, Kay
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Kay - Name: Kay Wilson
- Who do you know with myeloma?: SMM
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 72
Re: Workup tests for MGUS?
Hi Kay,
I'm sorry to hear that you were only recently told about your MGUS diagnosis.
A group of myeloma specialists wrote the following guidelines for monitoring people with MGUS:
If blood work shows that the serum M-protein is low and of the IgG type and that the free light chain ratio is normal, MGUS patients should be categorized as low risk. In this scenario, patients should be monitored again in six months and, if stable, followed every two to three years until symptoms of multiple myeloma or a related disease appear.
If a patient with MGUS has a high M-protein level of IgA or IgM type and an abnormal free light chain ratio, the IMWG recommends a bone marrow biopsy be conducted to rule out multiple myeloma or a related disease. If results do not indicate an underlying plasma cell disorder, patients are considered intermediate or high risk. These patients should be monitored again in six months and then annually until symptoms of multiple myeloma or a related disease appear.
A full summary of the guidelines can be found here:
"MGUS And Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Experts Identify Risk Factors For Disease Progression And Establish Monitoring Guidelines – Part 1: MGUS," The Myeloma Beacon, August 16, 2010.
I'm sorry to hear that you were only recently told about your MGUS diagnosis.
A group of myeloma specialists wrote the following guidelines for monitoring people with MGUS:
If blood work shows that the serum M-protein is low and of the IgG type and that the free light chain ratio is normal, MGUS patients should be categorized as low risk. In this scenario, patients should be monitored again in six months and, if stable, followed every two to three years until symptoms of multiple myeloma or a related disease appear.
If a patient with MGUS has a high M-protein level of IgA or IgM type and an abnormal free light chain ratio, the IMWG recommends a bone marrow biopsy be conducted to rule out multiple myeloma or a related disease. If results do not indicate an underlying plasma cell disorder, patients are considered intermediate or high risk. These patients should be monitored again in six months and then annually until symptoms of multiple myeloma or a related disease appear.
A full summary of the guidelines can be found here:
"MGUS And Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Experts Identify Risk Factors For Disease Progression And Establish Monitoring Guidelines – Part 1: MGUS," The Myeloma Beacon, August 16, 2010.
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Julie Shilane - Name: Julie Shilane, Beacon Staff
2 posts
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