What is Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a medical condition – disease, that involves ineffective production of myeloid class blood cells in the bone marrow.

MDS causes a progressive worsening of your health because your blood counts usually continue to drop irreversibly if no treatment is applied. The condition has been termed as Preleukemia due to the fact that about one third of MDS patients develop Leukemia within a few months to a few years of being diagnosed.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Symptoms

The worsening of your health and the symptoms experienced with Myelodysplastic Syndrome come directly from the low production of blood cells. Patients usually feel general chronic fatigue, shortness of breathe, and a general malaise.

Blood sample tests usually show anemia (low red blood cells count), neutropenia (low neutrophil count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), enlarged spleen or liver.

It is important to remember that a lot of patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) do not present symptoms on the early stages of the disease, so performing blood tests is essential if one feels previously unreported tiredness, shortness of breath or other unspecific feelings of unwellness. This is especially important if you have been exposed to the chemical Benzene through work or other areas you have visited.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Problems

As the MDS condition progresses, very low blood counts may occur. Because neutrophil leukocytes have an important role in immunity, in the late stages of MDS the person might develop increased susceptibility to infection.

A low platelet count of one’s blood can cause bruising and bleeding due to inadequate blood coagulation. Although there is a risk of progression towards leukemia later, usually lethal outcomes are due mostly to sever infections and bleeding, rather than leukemia. It is well documented that post MDS leukemia is resistant to standard form of treatment.

Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

The precise causes of MDS are not fully understand. However, one environmental factor that can lead to the development of this condition is benzene exposure or exposure to radiation.

There appears to be a certain genetic susceptibility also. Men are more prone to develop the disease. MSD usually affects older people, mostly after 60 years old.

The younger the age of the patient may be a good Myelodysplastic Syndrome prognosis factor, as younger people tend to recover under treatment and develop leukemia more rarely.

Finally, with the right treatment, a lot of people diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome respond favorably. The blood counts gradually rise close to normal levels, therefore it is important to identify the first symptoms and take action as soon as possible.