What is the Difference Between MGUS and Multiple Myeloma

The key difference between MGUS and multiple myeloma is that MGUS is a noncancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow, while multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow.

Plasma cells in the bone marrow develop from lymphocytes or B cells. They are a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow. Generally, when bacteria or viruses enter the body, some of the B cells turn into plasma cells. These plasma cells make antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses in order to stop the infections. MGUS and multiple myeloma are two medical conditions that affect the plasma cells of the bone marrow.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is MGUS
3. What is Multiple Myeloma
4. Similarities – MGUS vs Multiple Myeloma
5. MGUS vs Multiple Myeloma in Tabular Form
6. Summary – MGUS vs Multiple Myeloma

What is MGUS?

MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy) is a noncancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Normally, plasma cells in the bone marrow make antibodies. In people suffering from MGUS, the plasma cells make numerous copies of abnormal proteins. These proteins are known as monoclonal proteins. Despite this, people with MGUS look healthy. Unlike multiple myeloma, in MGUS plasma, cells do not form a tumor or mass. However, in some cases, MGUS can become multiple myeloma. People with MGUS have a 1 % probability of the condition progressing to multiple myeloma each year. The exact cause of MGUS is not known yet. But infection, immune system problems, and the environment may play a major role.

MGUS and Multiple Myeloma -Side by Side Comparison

Figure 01: MGUS

MGUS causes no symptoms typically. Monoclonal proteins in the blood are often found accidentally when doing routine blood work. MGUS can be diagnosed through blood screening, urine screening, and lab electrophoresis. Furthermore, as MGUS is not harmful, it does not need to be treated. Since MGUS may lead to multiple myeloma, people with MGUS need checkups throughout life.

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow. In fact, it is a blood cancer that affects plasma cells. The symptoms of multiple myeloma include infection, weight loss, muscle weakness and numbness, confusion, fatigue, digestive issues, osteoporosis, broken bones, shortness of breath, dizziness, and constipation. The exact cause of this condition is still not known. But scientists believe environmental factors like the effects of exposure to radiation, genetic abnormalities, and additional factors such as exposure to dioxin may be associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma.

A variety of tests can diagnose multiple myeloma, including blood counts, blood chemistry tests, quantitative immunoglobulins, beta-2 microglobulin, electrophoresis, urine tests, serum free light chain, core needle biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, imaging tests including PET scans, CT scans, bone marrow X-rays, and MRI scans. Furthermore, treatments for multiple myeloma include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, bone marrow transplant, and radiation therapy.

What are the Similarities Between MGUS and Multiple Myeloma?

MGUS and multiple myeloma are two medical conditions that affect the plasma cells of the bone marrow.
MGUS and multiple myeloma are correlated conditions.
People with MGUS have a 1% probability of the condition progressing to multiple myeloma each year.
In both conditions, abnormal monoclonal proteins are present in the blood.
The exact cause of both conditions is not known.
Both conditions can be diagnosed through blood testing.

What is the Difference Between MGUS and Multiple Myeloma?

MGUS is a noncancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow, while multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Thus, this is the key difference between MGUS and multiple myeloma. Furthermore, the risk factors for MGUS are being old, being male, being black, and having a family history of MGUS. On the other hand, the risk factors for multiple myeloma include increasing age, male sex, black race, family history of multiple myeloma, and personal history of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

The below infographic presents the differences between MGUS and multiple myeloma in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – MGUS vs Multiple Myeloma

Plasma cells make antibodies to fight against bacteria and viruses in order to prevent infections. MGUS and multiple myeloma are two medical conditions that affect the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Sometimes, MGUS can progress into multiple myeloma in rare cases. MGUS is a noncancerous condition of the bone marrow, while multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow. So, this summarizes the difference between MGUS and multiple myeloma.

Reference:

1. “Monoclonal Gammopathies.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 19 Nov. 2019.
2. “Multiple Myeloma.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 June 2021.