Have you had a bone marrow biopsy to make sure you are only MGUS. I was told I was MGUS until I had a BMB which revealed I was smoldering. If you are smoldering I would have the CT. If you are definitely only MGUS with no pains in the bones I would not incur the expense if you have to pay for it yourself.
August 14
And I was told that mgus doesn’t even really cause symptoms. That’s why I am wondering if it has progressed I was told smoldering doesn’t really cause symptoms either.
August 18
I went and had a second opinion with a new doctor because I am having symptoms. They are going to do the CT and the biopsy to know for sure.
August 18
Can a CT scan be skipped for MGUS progression evaluation if skeletal X-rays show no bone lesions? This is a great question to bring up with your care team, as the answer really depends on your individual risk level and what your doctor is looking for.
X-rays are a useful starting point — they can reveal bone loss Show Full Answer
Can a CT scan be skipped for MGUS progression evaluation if skeletal X-rays show no bone lesions? This is a great question to bring up with your care team, as the answer really depends on your individual risk level and what your doctor is looking for.
X-rays are a useful starting point — they can reveal bone loss, thinning, or lesions. However, CT scans go much deeper, offering detailed 3D cross-sectional images that can detect issues X-rays might miss, especially in the bone marrow where myeloma activity occurs. For MGUS monitoring, doctors typically rely on blood and urine tests to track M protein levels. Imaging like CT scans tends to be recommended when there are specific concerns, such as bone pain or signs of progression.
Here's a general breakdown of monitoring approaches:
- Low-risk MGUS: Follow-ups may only be needed every 12 months, often with blood/urine tests
- High-risk MGUS: More frequent monitoring, potentially including advanced imaging
- Bone pain present: Imaging such as X-rays, CT, or MRI is more likely to be recommended
A clean X-ray is reassuring, but it doesn't always tell the full story. Your doctor is best placed to decide whether a CT scan adds value in your specific situation — so it's absolutely worth asking them directly.
August 11
Join
Your Privacy Choices
