MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)

On this page:

Does MGUS have any symptoms?

What are the tests to diagnose MGUS?

How will the MGUS be monitored?

What will happen at my check-ups?

Can I see my blood test results?

Should I make any changes to my daily life?

Am I at higher risk from covid-19??

In most cases, MGUS has no effect on how you feel physically. You are unlikely to have any symptoms and won’t need treatment, but you will have regular check-ups to monitor the MGUS.

A few people with MGUS experience numbness or tingling in their hands and feet, or problems with their balance. This is a type of nerve damage that’s sometimes caused by paraprotein in the blood. The medical name for this is peripheral neuropathy.

If you start having these symptoms or you notice them getting worse, let your doctor know. They may refer you to a neurologist, a doctor who specialises in conditions of the nervous system.

If you have a blood test that shows you have paraprotein in your blood, it’s likely that your doctor will discuss the test results with a specialist (consultant). They might also send you to see the specialist.

You may have more blood tests and sometimes scans to rule out myeloma, lymphoma or any other blood condition.

Here’s a list of the tests you are likely to have:

We have more information about tests.

You may have blood tests every 3–6 months for the first year, followed by checks every 6–12 months after that. Your tests may be less often if you have a very low risk of developing blood cancer (a very low risk of progression).

Your blood tests may be arranged by your GP, or in hospital by a specialist nurse or a haematologist – a doctor who specialises in blood conditions. You will also be monitored for any symptoms that could show a change in your condition. People monitored in hospital tend to have a higher risk of developing blood cancer (a higher risk of progression).

At your check-ups, you’ll have more blood tests and sometimes urine tests to see if there have been any changes since your last appointment. Your doctor or nurse will also ask you if there’s been any change in how you feel.

If your results don’t vary much and you don’t have any symptoms, you may need check-ups less often or may not need them at all.

You can ask for a printout of your blood test results. Make sure you ask your doctor to explain what the results mean.

There is no evidence that lifestyle changes make a difference to whether MGUS progresses. The important thing is to go to your check-ups and tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any changes in your health.

You may find it helpful to follow general advice on healthy eating and exercise from the NHS. This can help with your emotional well-being as well as your physical health.

Because MGUS affects your antibodies, you may be more likely than the general population to get infections from bugs like bacteria and viruses. So it’s important to follow standard hygiene and food safety advice. You should also make sure you have all the recommended vaccinations (jabs). Ask your GP if you’re not sure which ones you should have.

You may want to read our information about avoiding infection.

Recent research suggests that having MGUS does not increase your risk of getting seriously ill from covid-19. So people with MGUS are not recommended to take extra precautions, unless they are in a high risk group for another reason.