Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-making it understandable to patients

Oncology nurses working in ambulatory care often encounter patients with nonmalignant hematologic disorders because the specialties of hematology and oncology are closely entwined. A variety of nonmalignant hematologic disorders can evolve into blood malignancies; therefore, close surveillance of nonmalignant hematologic disorders in an oncology/hematology clinic is important for early detection of malignancy. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is one nonmalignant, hematologic disorder that is usually aproblematic; however, it can evolve into a blood malignancy such as multiple myeloma or be associated with other chronic conditions. This article provides an overview of MGUS with a focus on implications for the oncology nurse and patient education.