What does a positive M Spike mean?

What does a positive M Spike mean? Abstract. A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic,

What does a positive M Spike mean?

Abstract. A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

Is MGUS related to amyloidosis?

L chain–type amyloidosis (AL) is related to both multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). These monoclonal plasma cell disorders can be categorized according to the total body burden of monoclonal plasma cells.

Can M Spike go away?

It doesn’t go away on its own, but it doesn’t usually cause symptoms or develop into a serious condition. A doctor will recommend regular checkups and blood tests to keep an eye on your health. Usually, these checkups start six months after first diagnosing MGUS.

Does M protein mean cancer?

M-protein is an antibody—or part of an antibody—that can show up in tests of your blood and/or urine, and its presence can mean different things. In blood cancers such as myeloma, the ‘M’ in ‘M protein’ stands for monoclonal. A monoclonal protein is produced by the abnormal, cancerous or precancerous cells.

What is a high level of M protein in the blood?

High levels of β2-M may indicate that a large number of myeloma cells is present and that kidney damage has occurred. The level of this protein increases as myeloma becomes more advanced. Lower amounts of serum albumin may indicate a poorer prognosis. Higher blood levels of LDH indicate a poorer prognosis.

What is the difference between myeloma and amyloidosis?

In myeloma, it is the overall burden of disease, with monoclonal protein “in and of itself ” rarely causing problems. In contrast, amyloidosis is associated with a much lower tumor burden from which few symptoms arise; the symptoms, instead, stem from M-protein aggregation or antibody activity.

How is primary amyloidosis treated?

High-Dose Melphalan and Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. High-dose melphalan (HDM) followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (SCT) presently is considered the most effective treatment for AL amyloidosis (3,4,39).

What is a normal M protein level?

Normal range: 1.21-2.7 mcg/mL B2M is a protein produced by the malignant cells. Although this protein itself doesn’t cause problems, it can be a useful indicator of a patient’s prognosis (outlook). High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may be a worse prognosis.

Is myeloma bone pain constant?

Bone pain. Multiple myeloma can cause pain in affected bones – usually the back, ribs or hips. The pain is frequently a persistent dull ache, which may be made worse by movement.

What kind of disease can be diagnosed with a M spike?

Other diseases that can present with an M spike, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, B and T cell lymphomas, chronic myeloid leukemia and other PC dyscrasias (systemic AL amyloidosis, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) and heavy chain disease) should also be excluded before making a diagnosis of MGUS.

Is there a treatment for light chain amyloidosis?

Only systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is treated with chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation. In all other forms of amyloid, be it systemic or localized, chemotherapy is contraindicated. Historically, we used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to classify the amyloid.

Who is at risk for AL amyloidosis?

More importantly, patients being monitored for smoldering multiple myeloma and a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are at risk for developing AL amyloidosis.