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Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a frequent plasma cell condition. An aberrant clone of plasma cells produces modest amounts of a monoclonal (M) protein in the blood. MGUS itself is not cancer, but it is a premalignant condition, as a tiny number of cases may proceed to multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or other blood disorders over time. It is more common in older persons and is often detected as an accidental finding on routine blood tests done for other medical reasons.

Most people with MGUS do not have symptoms or health problems related to it over their lifetime. But it is necessary to monitor regularly, because there is a small but persistent chance that the condition will worsen. Diagnosis is usually made by serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, serum free light chain analysis, complete blood count (CBC), renal function tests, calcium levels, and, in selected situations, bone marrow examination or imaging procedures to rule out more serious disorders.

In general, MGUS is asymptomatic and does not harm organs, so it is not treated. Rather, they are periodically evaluated medically and with laboratory tests to detect early evidence of progression. Compliance with healthy living and periodic follow-up visits is important. Identifying abnormalities early helps make it possible to intervene in a timely manner, which can improve results if the problem progresses to a more advanced plasma cell disorder.