Monoclonal gammopathy: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Monoclonal gammopathy | |||
| image = [[File:Monoclonal_gammopathy_Multiple_Myeloma.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Micrograph of a bone marrow aspirate showing [[multiple myeloma]], a type of monoclonal gammopathy | |||
| field = [[Hematology]] | |||
| symptoms = Often asymptomatic, may include [[anemia]], [[bone pain]], [[kidney dysfunction]] | |||
| complications = [[Multiple myeloma]], [[AL amyloidosis]], [[Waldenström's macroglobulinemia]] | |||
| onset = Typically in older adults | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Abnormal proliferation of a single clone of [[plasma cells]] | |||
| risks = Age, family history, [[radiation exposure]], [[obesity]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Serum protein electrophoresis]], [[immunofixation electrophoresis]], [[bone marrow biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Polyclonal gammopathy]], [[lymphoma]], [[chronic lymphocytic leukemia]] | |||
| treatment = Monitoring, treatment of complications, [[chemotherapy]] for progression | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on progression to symptomatic disease | |||
| frequency = Common in older adults, prevalence increases with age | |||
}} | |||
'''Monoclonal gammopathy''' is a condition characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein, known as a [[monoclonal protein]] or M protein, in the blood. This protein is produced in excess by an abnormal clone of [[plasma cells]], a type of white blood cell. | '''Monoclonal gammopathy''' is a condition characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein, known as a [[monoclonal protein]] or M protein, in the blood. This protein is produced in excess by an abnormal clone of [[plasma cells]], a type of white blood cell. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of monoclonal gammopathy is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to changes in the [[DNA]] of a single plasma cell, which causes it to multiply uncontrollably and produce large amounts of the M protein. | The exact cause of monoclonal gammopathy is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to changes in the [[DNA]] of a single plasma cell, which causes it to multiply uncontrollably and produce large amounts of the M protein. | ||
== Types == | == Types == | ||
There are several types of monoclonal gammopathy, including: | There are several types of monoclonal gammopathy, including: | ||
* '''[[Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance]] (MGUS)''': This is the most common type of monoclonal gammopathy. It is usually harmless and does not cause any symptoms or health problems. However, in some cases, it can progress to more serious conditions, such as [[multiple myeloma]] or [[lymphoma]]. | * '''[[Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance]] (MGUS)''': This is the most common type of monoclonal gammopathy. It is usually harmless and does not cause any symptoms or health problems. However, in some cases, it can progress to more serious conditions, such as [[multiple myeloma]] or [[lymphoma]]. | ||
* '''[[Multiple myeloma]]''': This is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including bone pain, fatigue, and kidney problems. | * '''[[Multiple myeloma]]''': This is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including bone pain, fatigue, and kidney problems. | ||
* '''[[Waldenström's macroglobulinemia]]''': This is a rare type of cancer that affects plasma cells. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding problems. | * '''[[Waldenström's macroglobulinemia]]''': This is a rare type of cancer that affects plasma cells. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding problems. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Most people with monoclonal gammopathy do not have any symptoms. However, in some cases, the condition can cause symptoms such as: | Most people with monoclonal gammopathy do not have any symptoms. However, in some cases, the condition can cause symptoms such as: | ||
* Fatigue | * Fatigue | ||
* Bone pain | * Bone pain | ||
| Line 24: | Line 32: | ||
* Bleeding problems | * Bleeding problems | ||
* Weight loss | * Weight loss | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Monoclonal gammopathy is usually diagnosed through blood tests, which can detect the presence of the M protein. Other tests, such as [[bone marrow biopsy]], may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of monoclonal gammopathy. | Monoclonal gammopathy is usually diagnosed through blood tests, which can detect the presence of the M protein. Other tests, such as [[bone marrow biopsy]], may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of monoclonal gammopathy. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for monoclonal gammopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. In many cases, no treatment is needed. However, if the condition progresses to a more serious disease, such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma, treatment may include [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], or [[stem cell transplant]]. | The treatment for monoclonal gammopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. In many cases, no treatment is needed. However, if the condition progresses to a more serious disease, such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma, treatment may include [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], or [[stem cell transplant]]. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Plasma cell]] | * [[Plasma cell]] | ||
* [[Multiple myeloma]] | * [[Multiple myeloma]] | ||
| Line 40: | Line 42: | ||
* [[Chemotherapy]] | * [[Chemotherapy]] | ||
* [[Radiation therapy]] | * [[Radiation therapy]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
[[Category:Oncology]] | [[Category:Oncology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:43, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Monoclonal gammopathy | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, may include anemia, bone pain, kidney dysfunction |
| Complications | Multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia |
| Onset | Typically in older adults |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Abnormal proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells |
| Risks | Age, family history, radiation exposure, obesity |
| Diagnosis | Serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation electrophoresis, bone marrow biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Polyclonal gammopathy, lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Monitoring, treatment of complications, chemotherapy for progression |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on progression to symptomatic disease |
| Frequency | Common in older adults, prevalence increases with age |
| Deaths | N/A |
Monoclonal gammopathy is a condition characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein, known as a monoclonal protein or M protein, in the blood. This protein is produced in excess by an abnormal clone of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of monoclonal gammopathy is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to changes in the DNA of a single plasma cell, which causes it to multiply uncontrollably and produce large amounts of the M protein.
Types[edit]
There are several types of monoclonal gammopathy, including:
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): This is the most common type of monoclonal gammopathy. It is usually harmless and does not cause any symptoms or health problems. However, in some cases, it can progress to more serious conditions, such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma.
- Multiple myeloma: This is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including bone pain, fatigue, and kidney problems.
- Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: This is a rare type of cancer that affects plasma cells. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding problems.
Symptoms[edit]
Most people with monoclonal gammopathy do not have any symptoms. However, in some cases, the condition can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Kidney problems
- Bleeding problems
- Weight loss
Diagnosis[edit]
Monoclonal gammopathy is usually diagnosed through blood tests, which can detect the presence of the M protein. Other tests, such as bone marrow biopsy, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of monoclonal gammopathy.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for monoclonal gammopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. In many cases, no treatment is needed. However, if the condition progresses to a more serious disease, such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplant.


