Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS)
Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) – Frequently asked questions
Why have I received a letter from the MGUS The Third Space?
You have been referred to The Third Space MGUS team by your GP in order for us to monitor your MGUS.
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance) is a non-cancerous blood condition which usually does not cause any symptoms or require any treatment but requires monitoring. In most people MGUS does not affect their general health and will remain stable. In a small number of people MGUS will develop into a more serious condition such as myeloma (a blood cancer).
Please click here for more information MGUS Infosheet.
How will I know when my review is due?
MGUS patients usually have their blood test monitored every 3-4 months in the first year after diagnosis and then tests can be reduced to every 6-12 months if the results are satisfactory.
Patients will receive a letter from MGUS The Third Space when their review is due.
If you think your review is due but have not received an invitation letter, then please contact us via email thirdspace@wsh.nhs.uk or call us 01284 712738.
What does the review involve?
This is a two-stage process:
1. Blood tests - when your review is due, we will order the necessary blood tests and you will be asked to arrange to have blood taken wherever you usually go for blood tests.
2. Health questionnaire – you will receive a short health questionnaire to complete and return to us by email or post.
The health questionnaire will ask you whether you have developed any new symptoms since your last review.
We will then share the results of your blood test with you. This will usually be in writing to you and within two weeks of you having your blood sample taken. If any further action is required we will call you to inform you of the next step.
Where can I have my blood test taken?
You can arrange your blood test where you usually go for blood tests.
This may be at West Suffolk Hospital or your GP surgery. All our blood tests are requested electronically and therefore if you attend West Suffolk Hospital or your GP surgery you do not need to take a paper form with you.
If you plan to attend Newmarket Community Hospital, Mildenhall Hub or Sudbury Health Centre then please contact us beforehand as you will require a paper blood test request form.
If you are going to your GP surgery and having additional blood tests requested by your GP at the same time, please remind them that you also need to have blood tests requested by us.
If you would like to book an appointment at the West Suffolk Hospital, please see Blood tests.
If you are unable to book online, call 0300 303 5299 (lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
When will I get my blood test results?
Once your MGUS blood test results are received one of the Third Space doctors will review the blood test results and we shall inform you of the result - usually by writing to you and within two weeks of you having your blood sample taken
If your results are unchanged (i.e. stable and good) you will usually receive a letter stating that the results are satisfactory.
If any of your results have changed, or if you have mentioned something concerning on your health questionnaire, one of our doctors will usually contact you by telephone.
If you have any questions or queries and would like to speak to one of The Third Space GPs then you can call us 01284 712738 or email the team thirdspace@wsh.nhs.uk and they will arrange for a telephone appointment.