Hi Chris,
An M protein spike, also known as an M spike, refers to the presence of abnormal antibodies called monoclonal proteins (or M proteins) in the blood. Let me break it down for you:
What are M proteins?
M proteins are antibodies produced by plasma cells. These cells are a type of white blood cell.
In healthy individuals, plasma cells produce antibodies that help fight infections.
However, in conditions like multiple myeloma, plasma cells become cancerous and produce excessive amounts of abnormal M proteins.
Significance of M proteins:
When someone has multiple myeloma, the cancerous plasma cells multiply rapidly and generate an excess of M proteins.
These M proteins are not helpful to the body; instead, they can accumulate in the bloodstream and deposit in tissues, leading to organ dysfunction.
Other names for M proteins:
M proteins are also referred to as:
Monoclonal immunoglobulins
Paraproteins
M spike
Conditions associated with M proteins:
High levels of M proteins can indicate the presence of multiple myeloma.
However, other plasma cell disorders can also cause elevated M protein levels, including:
Solitary plasmacytoma
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)
Light chain amyloidosis
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Monitoring and diagnosis:
Doctors often check for M protein levels as part of diagnosing multiple myeloma.
They also look for other symptoms, such as anemia, reduced kidney function, high calcium levels, and bone lesions1.
In summary, an M protein spike is a key indicator in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders. If you have further questions or need more information, feel free to ask! 😊

Thank you. I am seeing my primary on the 15th and we have not discussed yet.This all occurred after a fall where I fractured my right hip & was hospitalized. I was anemic in hospital for a while but recovered. Fully recovered from that and then MGUS shows up in blood work.So i don't really have a picture of what if anything is wrong and what to do if anything. 🤗

M-Spike refers the two abnormal proteins that can show up on the protein electrophoesis test. There are two other proteins, but they are not categorized as abnormal. I don't know the reason for that. Anyway, on my electrophoresis test, if the number for either of the two abnormal proteins is greater than zero, it will show up labeled as an abnormal protein. So, you can have one or two non-zero values, or none at all. If both values are zero, they don't show up on my report at all. If two non-zero numbers show, the sum of those is my M-Spike. If only one shows up, that number is my M-Spike. If no number shows up at all (in which case the term "abnormal protein" will not show up either), then I have no M-Spike.
I've never had an M-Spike "skyrocket". And it's not unusual, my oncologist tells me, for the M-Spike to fluctuate between zero and 2.0 during treatment (including maintenance treatment, which is what I have been undergoing for over eight years). If it does rise above 0.0, adjustments in med dosage(s) can be made. If it rises above 2.0 in spite of this, it may be time to change my med combination, perhaps by eliminating one drug and replacing it with another. That is just one example of a change that can be made. There is not one single correct protocol. Your doctor will know what to do.
Best wishes.
DGBurk (Donnie)

It means cancer is present