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Myelodysplastic syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of disorders in which the blood cells produced in the bone marrow do not mature into healthy cells. This leaves you with fewer healthy blood cells in your body. The blood cells that have matured may not function properly. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a form of cancer. In about a third of people, MDS may develop into acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Causes
Stem cells in bone marrow form different types of blood cells. With MDS, the DNA in stem cells becomes damaged. Because the DNA is damaged, the stem cells cannot produce healthy blood cells. The exact cause of MDS is not known. For most cases, there is no known cause. Risk factors for MDS include: Certain genetic…
Symptoms
Early stage MDS often has no symptoms. MDS is often discovered during other blood tests. People with very low blood counts often experience symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of blood cell affected, and they include: Weakness or tiredness due to anemia Shortness of breath Easy bruising and bleeding Small red or…
Exams and Tests
People with MDS have a shortage of blood cells. MDS may reduce the number of one or more of these: Red blood cells White blood cells Platelets The shapes of these cells may also be changed. Your health care provider will perform a complete blood count and blood smear to find which type of blood cells have been…
Treatment
Your treatment will depend on several factors: Whether you are low-risk or high-risk The type of MDS you have Your age, health, and other conditions you may have, such as diabetes or heart disease The goal of MDS treatment is to prevent leukemia from developing and to prevent problems due to a shortage of blood cells,…
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook will depend on your type of MDS and severity of symptoms. Your overall health also may affect your chances of recovery. Many people have stable MDS that does not progress into cancer for years, if ever. Some people with MDS may develop AML.
Possible Complications
MDS complications include: Bleeding Infections such as pneumonia , gastrointestinal infections, urinary infections AML
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you: Feel weak and tired most of the time Bruise or bleed easily, have bleeding of the gums or frequent nosebleeds You notice red or purple spots of bleeding under the skin
References
National Cancer Institute website. Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/myeloproliferative/hp/mds-mpd-treatment-pdq . Updated January 26, 2022. Accessed March 19, 2024. Nguyen PL, Hasserjian RP. Myelodysplastic syndromes. In: Hsi ED, ed.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 31/12/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.