About Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases that are the result
of faulty blood cell production. All blood cells are made in the bone marrow.
While all blood cells start out as cells called stem cells, they ultimately
divide and mature into either red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets.1
In MDS, this maturing process is damaged. Some stem cells become faulty
and do not mature into healthy cells. Instead, the faulty stem cells produce
defective cells. These cells live longer and outnumber the cells produced
by healthy stem cells. The population of faulty cells increases, while the
population of healthy cells decreases.1
Symptoms of MDS may go unnoticed in early phases of the disease,
but in later phases may include fatigue, weakness, infections, and excessive
bruising and bleeding.1
When diagnosing MDS, a doctor first rules
out other illnesses that may cause symptoms similar to those associated with
MDS. In addition, a complete medical history will be taken, along with a
blood sample and bone marrow sample for testing.1 Once MDS
is diagnosed, the doctor will determine the type of MDS an individual
has.1
Most of the people who develop MDS are age 60 or older.1.
Sometimes the disease occurs following radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Some environmental contaminants also may be linked to the disease.1
In this section you can learn more about MDS, including the following:
Treatment of MDS is tailored to each individual’s specific situation.
However, core treatment may include blood transfusions, infection control,
wellness counseling and care, and emotional support.1 Visit the following
sections to learn more about managing and treating MDS:
Reference
- Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc. Myelodysplastic Syndromes:
Basic Explanations. Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc.
Annapolis, MD; 2005:1-19.
