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Figure 4


Figure 4. Characteristics of Active Multiple Myeloma and Its Precursors.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma are asymptomatic precursors of active multiple myeloma. Serum protein electrophoresis in each of these disorders shows a prominent monoclonal protein in the {gamma} region that can be easily identified as a dense band or spike. Other clinical features that can be used to distinguish these disorders are also shown. End-organ damage is defined as hypercalcemia, anemia, renal failure, or lytic bone lesions attributable to a plasma-cell disorder. Alb denotes albumin.