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Suggest Treatment For Elevated Myeloma Protein Levels In Blood
Question: Had some blood work done through my PCP. Had an elevated protein mspike of 0.6.(first time) Referral to hematologist. Is that a pretty low mspike? Do I need to be worried?I know it could be MGUS , could it be myleoma at this point? Could it be nothing as well? I feel fine otherwise
Brief Answer:
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question.
From the information you have shared, it does appear that you have a small amount of protein spike noted in the laboratory studies. 0.6 is a relatively small amount. Generally we follow this over time in addition to checking some additional laboratory studies.
It is possible that you might have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS as you've already pointed out). This MGUS is very often followed for a long time even many years in patients and the protein level remains stable without much change. In some patients however the protein level can slowly climb and in these patients there is more of a concern for myeloma.
Your doctor will be sure to check additional studies including metabolic panel blood count and urinalysis to look for proteins in the urine. I am glad you are seeing a hematologist. Even if everything looks very stable but hematologist will likely to see you every few months for a while to determine what kind of long-term follow-up as needed.
If there is a change in the protein level or if you have abnormal calcium or kidney function or anemia or low platelet count the hematologist me suggest a bone marrow biopsy.
At this time it appears you have a small monoclonal protein and likely this is MGUS and your doctors being on the safe side by having a status with the hematologist for long-term follow-up.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question.
From the information you have shared, it does appear that you have a small amount of protein spike noted in the laboratory studies. 0.6 is a relatively small amount. Generally we follow this over time in addition to checking some additional laboratory studies.
It is possible that you might have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS as you've already pointed out). This MGUS is very often followed for a long time even many years in patients and the protein level remains stable without much change. In some patients however the protein level can slowly climb and in these patients there is more of a concern for myeloma.
Your doctor will be sure to check additional studies including metabolic panel blood count and urinalysis to look for proteins in the urine. I am glad you are seeing a hematologist. Even if everything looks very stable but hematologist will likely to see you every few months for a while to determine what kind of long-term follow-up as needed.
If there is a change in the protein level or if you have abnormal calcium or kidney function or anemia or low platelet count the hematologist me suggest a bone marrow biopsy.
At this time it appears you have a small monoclonal protein and likely this is MGUS and your doctors being on the safe side by having a status with the hematologist for long-term follow-up.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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