MGUS progression ?

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i have just joined today and am not sure if it’s a dumb question. My haematology appointment still a few weeks away. Hoping you can help

i was diagnosed with MGus IgA Lambda with abnormal ratio /high light chains last June after bone marrow biopsy - Since then I have moved to new area and my records did not follow hence the delay in getting haematologist appointment

i Have been having 3 monthly tests at new GP and my IgA has been slowly increasing from 6 at time of biopsy in June to 8:55 in January . Whilst that goes up my IgG has also just dropped to abnormal now

Does this count as a marker for progression? I assume there would be other factors too? Would they do another biopsy based on that?

thank you

Jane

Lynsay - Macmillan over 2 years ago

Hi Jane

Thank you for getting in touch with us. My name is Lynsay, and I am one of the information nurses with Macmillan Cancer Support. Welcome to Macmillan, I hope you find the online community to be a helpful and supportive space.

There is no such thing as a dumb question, particularly when discussing MGUS as this can be a complex and confusing area, so I am really glad you got in touch with us. I have attached our information about MGUS here just in case this is useful.

As you may know, the majority of people with MGUS will not progress on to develop the more serious associated conditions such as myeloma. Unfortunately, there is no definitive test to show who will progress and who will remain stable with MGUS.

This being the case, you are monitored regularly, this usually involves blood tests every 3 months for the first year followed by 6 monthly blood tests thereafter. Paraprotein levels can rise and fall in MGUS, this is normal, however if there is a steady or large increase in paraprotein or free light chain, or if you develop symptoms then further tests will be done.

It is important to report any new symptoms if they occur, don’t wait for your next blood test appointment to report them. Symptoms to watch out for include fatigue, pain in your back or ribs, frequent infections, breathlessness, and unexpected weight loss.

It may be helpful to get a bit more information at your haematology appointment in a few weeks in terms of what to expect with your blood levels and what kind of results would be more indicative of a potential progression.

It can also be challenging living with the uncertainty of a condition like MGUS. For many this will not cause any symptoms or lead to a progression resulting in a cancer diagnosis, however the possibility of this does exist and this can be hard to manage.

You are more than welcome to call us if it help to talk through this with you.

I hope this is helpful.

Sending best wishes,

Lynsay

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

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MGUS progression ?