What is a monoclonal protein?

What is a monoclonal protein?

Listen to pronunciation. (MAH-noh-KLOH-nul PROH-teen) An antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell tumors. Also called M protein.

What does no monoclonal proteins detected mean?

If a monoclonal protein is identified, its immunoglobulin class (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE) and light chain type (kappa, lambda) are determined by immunofixation. If no monoclonal protein is detected, further testing is not warranted.

Does M Spike mean myeloma?

WHAT HAPPENS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA? these malignant plasma cells, or myeloma cells, accumulate in the bone marrow. immunoglobulin, called the M- protein, or M- spike, or paraprotein or myeloma protein. It can be detected in the blood and/or the urine of most myeloma patients.

What are para proteins?

A paraprotein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or light chain present in the blood or urine; it is produced by a clonal population of mature B cells, most commonly plasma cells. In individuals aged >50 years the incidence of a paraprotein is 3.2%.

What does high monoclonal protein mean?

Finding M proteins in the blood or urine is usually a sign of disease. Their presence is associated most commonly with a type of cancer of the plasma cells called multiple myeloma.

What causes monoclonal proteins?

The exact cause of MGUS is not known. Infection, immune system problems, and the environment may play a role. But experts have not found a clear link yet. Experts do know that the abnormal proteins are not caused by a certain diet or from eating dietary proteins.

What are the symptoms of Paraprotein?

Occasionally, paraproteins may be a sign of a serious blood abnormality called myeloma. This is usually accompanied by signs of damage to the body such as fatigue from low red blood cells (anaemia), kidney problems, high calcium or bone damage.