Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders and type of cancer caused by poorly formed blood cells or cells that don’t work properly.
In MDS, the bone marrow is not able to produce healthy blood cells. Instead, it makes abnormal cells that cannot function properly. Over time, more of these are made, eventually crowding out the healthy cells leading to a reduction in blood cell counts.
Common Symptoms:
We have blog topics delving into the various types of MDS - such as what they are, the symptoms, how they are treated, and advice for living with the condition. You can find them below.
Myelodysplastic syndrome represents a group of diverse bone marrow disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. MDS is characterized by the production of abnormal blood cells, which can lead to blood cell deficiencies (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia), affecting the body's ability to fight infection, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.
The exact cause of MDS is not always clear. In many cases, it's believed to result from mutations in the DNA of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. These mutations can be influenced by factors such as previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment, exposure to certain chemicals (like benzene), and heavy exposure to radiation. However, many people diagnosed with MDS have no identifiable risk factors, suggesting a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of MDS can vary widely and may be subtle in the early stages. Common symptoms include fatigue and weakness due to anemia, frequent infections due to a shortage of white blood cells, and easy bruising or bleeding due to a reduced number of platelets. Some people may experience no symptoms initially, and MDS might be discovered during a routine blood test.
Diagnosis of MDS typically involves a combination of blood tests to check for abnormal levels of blood cells, a bone marrow biopsy to examine the morphology of bone marrow cells, and cytogenetic analysis to identify any chromosomal abnormalities in bone marrow cells. These tests help determine the specific type of MDS and guide treatment decisions.
Treatment for MDS depends on the subtype of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's overall health. Options may include supportive care (such as blood transfusions and growth factor injections), chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation, which offers the potential for a cure in eligible patients. The choice of treatment aims to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and delay or prevent the progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).