At what age is monoclonal gammopathy typically diagnosed in its nonmalignant form (MGUS)?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is typically diagnosed in older adults, with the most common age range being those over 60 years old. This condition is characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein (monoclonal protein) produced by a small number of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, and it is often asymptomatic.

As people age, the risk of developing various forms of monoclonal gammopathy, including MGUS, increases, making diagnosis more common in individuals over 60. Statistics indicate that the prevalence of MGUS rises with age, suggesting that this age group is the most likely to present with this condition.

While MGUS can theoretically occur in younger individuals, it is rare to see a diagnosis in those under 40, which highlights why choosing the age greater than 60 is the most accurate representation of when MGUS is typically identified.