The risk of progression from MGUS to myeloma is 1% per year. All myeloma patients have MGUS before they progress to active myeloma, but only 20% of people diagnosed with MGUS eventually get myeloma. As time goes by, if the level of M-protein remains stable and there are no other health changes, the time between visits to the hematologist can be extended. People with MGUS are monitored carefully to make sure the diagnosis is correct and there is no change in their status. The earliest stage of myeloma is not cancer at all, but is a benign condition called MGUS, the presence of a low level of monoclonal protein (M-protein) without any indicators of active myeloma. Usually, the bones of the hands, feet, and lower parts of the arms and legs are not affected, preserving the function of these critical areas. Myeloma most often grows in the marrow within the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, shoulders, and hips. A malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. In Greek, the language of most medical terms, “myelo” refers to the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow, and “oma” refers to a tumor or mass of cancer cells. Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell (WBC) in the bone marrow that is responsible for making immunoglobulins. The urine protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances such as the M proteins. The test separates proteins in the urine based on their electrical charge. This test measures specific proteins in the urine. What is the Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test? A monoclonal spike (M-Spike), the sharp pattern that occurs on protein electrophoresis, is the telltale indicator of M-protein in the blood, a marker for the activity of myeloma cells. Antibodies or parts of antibodies found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of myeloma patients. M-protein is an abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells that accumulates in and damages bone and bone marrow. Monoclonal protein, myeloma protein, M-protein, M-spike
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