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M-Spike. How concerned should I be?My allergy doctor somehow decided to test me for some antibodies & some other things due to some unusual symptoms and I had an M-Spike result. She was quite concerned.Specifically, the test was "Protein Immunofix Electrophoresis, Serum Details" and the result was "abnormal band identified as monoclonal IgG kappa."I went to my primary care provider who ordered some follow-up tests, which I just got back. The results are in the table below. Most are normal, but the first one is presumably a repeat test (and same result) of the igG kappa.On Wednesday I'm meeting with a Hematology/Medical Oncology doctor. In the meantime I'm wondering if I should be losing sleep over this. Because I am.I'm 50 yrs old, 5' 9", 150 lbs., male, I take pepcid, non-smoker. I've been having some strange symptoms for five years (balance, adult onset scoliosis, right sided fatigue, bone pain on the right side).Thank you.
gpt
Note: I am not a hematologistLooks like monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS). A small percentage of people with this condition will progress each year to a low-grade malignancy called smoldering multiple myeloma or to overt multiple myeloma. Some people may develop other malignancy of the plasma cells (mature B cells that produce memory antibodies). Most people are simply monitored for rising amounts of the monoclonal protein over many years, and don't require treatment.Monoclonal proteins may be associated with elevated Factor VIII, which can predispose patients to blood clots. If you have a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism, the presence of these proteins could be a reason to consider ongoing anticoagulation medication long-term. If you haven't had a blood clot, it may be a reason to consider DVT prophylaxis when in high-risk situations, such as surgery or long periods of travel or prolonged bedrest.Your hematologist will probably tell you to have blood tests periodically to monitor the level of monoclonal protein. Based on the data that you gave, it doesn't look like you have a large amount of abnormal protein, so you are unlikely to require treatment.
I don't, she hadn't uploaded my tests to my portal. She's been my gp for a few years so she knows my conditions etc. The night sweats only cause me to pause because I haven't had them like this since before I quit abusing alcohol. I guess I'm just wondering if I actually need to see a hematologist or if it's something I can try to manage on my own? She ordered a chest x-ray as well, I have no idea what that has to do with any of it!
The Hematologist can at least look at your differential, maybe do a couple tests to rule out uncommon chronic leukemias and similar disorders and give you the all clear so the matter doesnt need to be addressed again. If youve got an appt, may as well go to it at this point. 15 is high enough that we wouldnt resent having to see you hehe. Now if you were sent when it was 12, that would suck, and we get a lot of those referrals as well. Its reasonable to get a once over by a blood doctor for a WBC if 15, but most likely to be fine from that perspective.