How do you discuss harms of MGUS screening with other medical providers?
For example, how do you address tendency to "over-order" these tests in patients with common aches/pains but no structural abnormalities on advanced imaging? Or in patients with longstanding CKD that's not changing over years?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Answered on · Updated on
I understand the intent of the question, but - as always - real life is more complicated. I agree that the evidence for screening completely healthy patients for MGUS does not currently exist. But, for patients with unexplained pertinent lab/imaging findings or symptoms, it's not unreasonable.
In th...
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · University of Chicago
Answered on · Updated on
I agree with @Dr. First Last's wonderful answer here. The challenge is that most patients who come to see us have already had these tests performed. The bigger issue is that most non-hematologists ordering them do not know how to interpret them either.
Most of the time, in my experience, screening i...
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