{"id":11703,"date":"2019-08-31T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2019-08-31T09:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=11703"},"modified":"2022-02-07T09:07:17","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T09:07:17","slug":"15-frequent-symptoms-of-monoclonal-gammopathy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-frequent-symptoms-of-monoclonal-gammopathy\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Frequent Symptoms of Monoclonal Gammopathy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, (MGUS), Describes a condition where abnormal proteins, known as “M” proteins start to leak into the bloodstream. These proteins come from bone marrow, which is the soft tissue filling the center of your bones. in most cases, the onset of MGUS only occurs in individuals over the age of 65-years old, and it’s more common in men than in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases,\u00a0the onset of MGUS\u00a0does not result in any\u00a0signs or symptoms of the disease, and many people go for decades without experiencing any severe complication.\u00a0However, in some cases, the condition can lead to the onset of a life-threatening form of blood cancer, but this is\u00a0a rare occurrence. There are also numerous complications that can occur due to MGUS, and this article looks more in-depth into these\u00a0diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, since MGUS is hard for physicians to diagnose, the patient may only realize they have the disorder when one of the more life-threatening diseases manifests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.     No Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, (MGUS), Is challenging for physicians <\/a>to diagnose. One of the significant reasons why it’s challenging to create an accurate diagnosis of the condition is the fact that it does not present any symptoms in the affected individual. Many patients may go for decades without realizing they have the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However,\u00a0the presence of no symptoms related to the condition does not mean that the patient is not at risk of developing other disorders or complications associated with MGUS. If the doctor diagnoses the patient with any of the following severe conditions, they may test the patience for the presence of MGUS. The physician will take a blood sample from the affected individual and send it for\u00a0examination at a blood testing facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient’s sample does come back positive for the presence of MGUS, the physician will treat the patient with medication to reverse the condition and slow the spread of M-proteins into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.     Multiple Myeloma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As “M-proteins” start to accumulate in the bloodstream,\u00a0they may start to cause multiple problems with the patient. One of the more severe complications of MGUS is multiple myeloma. Multiple myelomas describe a type of cancer that forms in white blood cell plasma. These plasma cells help the patient fight infection by creating antibodies <\/a>to fight off invading pathogens.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When white blood cell plasma declines, the immune system starts to reduce its functionality, resulting in the onset of numerous viral and bacterial infections in the patient. As a result of the decline in immune deficiency, the patient ends up dying from preventable diseases such as pneumonia. Multiple myelomas cause cancer cells to accumulate in bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cancer cells create abnormal proteins causing complications for the affected individual. In some cases, multiple myeloma does not present any symptoms in the affected individual. However, for those that do experience complications, treatments are available to help them control the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.     Light Chain Amyloidosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The onset of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, (MGUS), may result in the affected individual experiencing amyloidosis<\/a>. This condition describes a rare disease that occurs when amyloid starts to accumulate in the organs of the body. Amyloid is a protein produced in the bone marrow which deposits in organs and tissues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition affects people differently, and different types of amyloidosis can occur due to the onset of MGUS. In most cases, the disease affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, nervous system, and digestive tract. In many cases, amyloidosis can lead to a life-threatening situation resulting in organ failure in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition. Patients require regular medical management of the symptoms to limit the production of amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. Typical symptoms involved with the disease are an enlarged tongue, as well as purpura around the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.     Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another complication of MGUS is Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, (WM). This form of cancer <\/a>starts in the B-cells,\u00a0and it’s similar to two other types of cancer, known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. We’ve already discussed the implications of multiple myeloma.\u00a0Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, and WM cells have the same features as both lymphocytes and plasma cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WM\u00a0cancer cells make\u00a0up a significant amount of a specific type of antibody,\u00a0known as macroglobulin. The build-up of M-proteins in the body,\u00a0caused by MGUS, leads to the symptoms of WM.\u00a0as a result of cancer, the patient may start to experience problems with their vision, as well as excessive bleeding,\u00a0and issues with the nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WM cells start growing the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy cells that constitute the different types of red blood cells. As a result, the patient may begin to develop a low red blood cell count in a condition known as anemia. The patient may start to feel weak and tired throughout the day, and they may feel light-headed when rising from a seated position. The patient may also experience increased bruising and bleeding, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.     Lymphoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of MGUS are also at risk of developing a type of cancer known as lymphoma<\/a>. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s filtration network for filtering out pathogens. As a result of cancer, the patient may start to experience weakness in the immune system. This weakness makes them predisposed to catching bacteria and viruses that may cause preventable diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland, and bone marrow. Patients who do experience the onset of lymphoma may notice that the lymph nodes start to inflame under the arms, in the neck, and in the groin area. In most cases, these lymph nodes will return to normal after a few days as they clear the pathogen. However, in this case, the lymph nodes may become stiff and hard, presenting a life-threatening situation for the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with lymphoma may find that they start to feel lethargic during the day. They may also notice symptoms of fever, night sweats, and shortness of breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.     Rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of MGUS may find that they start to develop a rash<\/a>. The rash shows up as inflammation and irritation in the skin,\u00a0and it typically affects areas of the body around the neck, groin, and under the arms. These are the areas of the body with the largest concentrations of lymph nodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rash may also occur in the face,\u00a0presenting symptoms of irritation and redness in the skin.\u00a0However, there are multiple reasons why a rash may occur, and MGUS\u00a0is not your doctor’s first thought when diagnosing you for a rash. However,\u00a0if you are over the age of 65-years old, and presenting other symptoms that may suggest you have anemia,\u00a0the doctor may take a blood sample for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s only through the use of blood testing that doctors can diagnose the presence of M-proteins in the bloodstream. If the test has come back positive for the existence of M-proteins, your doctor will also look for evidence of lymphoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.     Nerve Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of MGUS may also start to experience problems with the nervous system<\/a>. When they accumulate in the bloodstream, M-proteins begin to cause issues with healthy nervous system response. As a result, the patient may start to experience symptoms of tingling and numbness in the arms and legs. These sensations may also spread to the fingers and toes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, there are numerous reasons why you could be experiencing nerve problems. Your doctor will most likely check for the presence of M-proteins through a blood test, to rule out the existence of MGUS. Since this condition only occurs in seniors, they may also choose to check for other forms of cancer such as lymphoma and WM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will recommend a course of therapy and treatment after receiving your bloodwork and making the diagnosis. These nerve issues may be permanent, and the presence of the disease may continue to degrade the nervous system further in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.     Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a group of risk factors that make some people more predisposed to developing MGUS than others. If you find yourself in the high-risk groups mentioned below, check with your doctor for the presence of M-proteins in your bloodstream. Seniors over the age of 65-years old must receive regular checkups at least once a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age is the most significant risk factor for the development of MGUS. The average age of diagnosis for the disease is 70-years old, with some cases occurring in people that are 60-years old as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGUS is also most prevalent in African Americans more than white people or Hispanics. MGUS also typically affects men more than it does women. If you ever have a family history of the disease, then this also places you in the high-risk group for developing MGUS. Medical science believes that the most significant risk factor<\/a> for the development of the condition is your genetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think that you may be experiencing the effects of MGUS, speak to your doctor for a diagnosis.
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9. Anemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The increase in M-proteins caused by the onset of MGUS may lead to the development of anemia in some individuals. Anemia <\/a>is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are the backbone of hemoglobin, the proteins responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have MGUS-related anemia, you’ll find you feel tired all the time, and you have a sensation of fatigue that persists throughout the day. The lower delivery of oxygen to the muscular system and skin appears to manifest blue lips in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M-proteins interfere with the production of red blood cells, causing the onset of the condition in affected individuals. If you notice the signs of anemia, speak to your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will run blood tests to look at your red blood cell count, platelets, and hemoglobin levels. If they discover the signs of anemia, the good news is that it’s easy to treat with supplementation and changes to diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the increase in M-proteins can affect the normal production of red blood vessels and the hemoglobin responsible for delivering oxygen to the muscular system and brain. As a result, the patient feels fatigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of lethargy and fatigue associated with MGUS-related anemia are persistent, and you’ll find you feel exhausted during the day, even if you have a good night’s sleep. The feelings of fatigue start first thing in the morning when you wake up, and you may feel so tired that you want to stay in bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also common for the anemia symptoms to interfere with cognitive <\/a>processes, leaving you with cloudy thinking and brain fog. These symptoms will not go away, and they persist throughout the day, ruining your quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re feeling fatigued for more than a few days in a row, it could be a sign of MGUS-related anemia. Consult with your doctor for treatment. They will run a blood panel to check your red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels to determine if you’re dealing with the anemic effects of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Weakness and Pain in the Bones or Soft Tissues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The increase in M-proteins in the body caused by the onset of MGUS may also result in changes to soft tissues and bones. The M-proteins may cause sensitivity in the skeletal system, and you may notice a slight aching feeling throughout your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weakness in the muscular system may occur due to the anemic effects of the disease. When the muscular system doesn’t receive the oxygen it needs to operate at 100% efficiency, it starts to feel tired and lethargic<\/a>. As a result, you may find that you begin to develop the symptoms of weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may struggle to complete tasks when you would normally have no issues with the physical demand required for the job. Some people may also feel pain in the body’s soft tissues, such as in the groin, under the arms, and in the hamstrings or thighs. Consult with your doctor if you notice these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Recurring Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The M-proteins caused by the start of MGUS may also lead to recurring infections <\/a>in the body. The immune system is an amazing part of our physiology, but it does some strange things occasionally, especially when it’s under the stress of MGUS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGUS is an auto-immune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body. It’s one of the reasons why you feel pain and discomfort in the bones and soft tissues. The immune system attacks these areas, making you feel sore and stiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The immune system may also spend its time fighting your healthy tissues, leaving less of the valuable cytokines it uses to fight off diseases. With the immune system in a weakened state, you may find that you experience recurring infections of another illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may struggle to kick a cold, while others may find that the disease affects the healing time of wounds. As a result, the affected individual’s health starts to decline, and they may experience a dramatic infection that leaves them feeling very ill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals experiencing the onset of MGUS may notice that they encounter a rapid weight loss<\/a>. The immune system may cause changes in the body’s normal functioning, resulting in it attacking the muscular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note that the M-proteins and the weight loss effect may not affect body fat stores. Instead, the patient may find that they start to lose muscle mass. The proteins attacking the soft tissues and the muscular system cause a decline in muscle mass, leaving you underweight but with body fat stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re dealing with muscle wasting, speak to your doctor. They will run blood tests on your to look for the problem causing the issue. If they discover the M-proteins, they will treat you according to the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the MGUS develops into Multiple myeloma (MM), the patient may have to undergo chemotherapy to prevent the spread of the disease. As a result, they are likely to rapidly lose muscle mass and body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Headache and Vision Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The M-proteins produced by myeloma cells in the body may affect the normal functioning of the brain and the circulatory system and red blood cell production. As a result, it’s common for patients to experience issues like headaches and blurry vision in the advanced stages of the condition as it progresses into full-blown MM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may find that they have a persistent headache <\/a>that maintains its intensity for days at a time. Some patients may confuse this action with a migraine, but it’s a sign of MGUS and the effects it has on the bloodstream, known as “hyperviscosity.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the problems involving headaches and blurry vision may persist indefinitely. Typically, with the right diagnosis and treatment, the patient can overcome these issues, improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MM can also cause the onset of hypercalcemia, causing confusion and drowsiness in the patient. As a result, the patient feels like they have a persistent case of “brain fog.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Changes in Mental State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As MGUS progresses into MM, the additional release of M-proteins in the body can cause symptoms of alterations to the patient’s mental <\/a>state. They may find that they become irritable, and they have a short fuse. The patient cannot tolerate situations where they don’t feel they have control, resulting in changes to behavior and personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may avoid friends and family as they feel conversations are irritating and frustrating. In some cases, the patient may be as cool as a cucumber before the onset of MGUS, and their personality changes 180-degrees, leaving their friends and family with a completely different person than they used to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These changes are a sign that the disease affects the brain and the parts of the brain that control behavior. The limbic system is responsible for maintaining emotions and behavior, and the M-proteins will create changes in the brain that alter these personality traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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