We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,447
Share

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a family of blood disorders caused by problems with the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. It is also referred to as "preleukemia," although this is a bit of a misnomer, as not all MDS patients develop leukemia. Treatment for this condition focuses on identifying the type a patient has and treating the symptoms and complications; as yet, these diseases have no cure.

In normal people, the stem cells in bone marrow produce the blood cells needed by the body. In people with this condition, the bone marrow is overactive, and it produces flawed blood cells which cannot be used by the body. As a result, the blood cells are destroyed before entering the bloodstream, resulting in a decrease in blood cells. Left untreated, severe anemia and a host of other problems can develop. Because MDS involves malfunctioning cells, some doctors consider it to be a form of cancer.

The signs of MDS are often subtle. Patients may feel fatigued sometimes, or develop unusually pale skin. Unusual bruising and bleeding are also associated with this condition, as are increased infections. In other cases, no symptoms develop, and the condition is diagnosed during a routine blood test. Diagnosis involves inspection of the blood cells under a microscope, and patients may also submit to bone marrow biopsy and other diagnostic procedures to narrow down the type of MDS involved, and which blood cells are affected.

A number of diseases are included under the MDS umbrella, including refractory anemia, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia, refractory anemia with excess blasts, and refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts. Each condition causes slightly different problems with different blood cells, requiring a different treatment approach.

Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation seems to increase the risk of developing MDS, as does smoking. Most people with this condition are over 60, suggesting that age is also a risk factor. Reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances can help to reduce the chance of developing MDS, and it will also protect the body from other harmful health conditions.

Common treatments for this condition include blood transfusions to address anemia caused by the disease, and in younger patients bone marrow transplants may be used. Drug therapy is also an option for some forms.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-myelodysplastic-syndromes-mds.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.