Progression of MGUS
Studies show that about 3.2% of people older than 50 and 5.3% of people older than 70 have MGUS. In most cases, these people end up never experiencing any condition related to MGUS. Studies also show that each year, the risk of MGUS developing into multiple myeloma is 1%. Asides from multiple myeloma, MGUS can also progress into other forms of blood disorders. The type of conditions that occur depend on the type of MGUS you have.
MGUS can be divided into three types. Each type increases the risk factors of developing a certain medical condition. These types include:
- Non-IgM MGUS (includes IgG, IgA, or IgD MGUS): This type is the most popular and it affects the highest number of people with MGUS. Studies show that non-IgM MGUS is more likely to develop into multiple myeloma than other types. In some people, non-IgM MGUS may lead to other serious conditions, like immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis or light chain deposition disease.
- IgM MGUS: Studies show that this type affects 15% of people with MGUS. It increases the risk of developing an uncommon type of cancer known as Waldenstrom’s disease, AL amyloidosis, multiple myeloma [4], and lymphoma [5].
- Light chain MGUS (LC-MGUS): This type causes elevated amounts of M proteins to be detected in the urine, which can cause light chain multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, or light chain deposition disease.
The diseases that occur due to MGUS may lead to blood clots, bone fractures, and kidney problems over time. These complications make managing the condition more difficult.