Definition of Myelodysplasia

Myelodysplasia is the term used for a group of disorders that result when a person's bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. Other names for the condition are myelodysplastic syndrome and MDS.

Types

• There are several different types of myelodysplasia. The types are identified by the amount of damage that has occurred to blood cells, which blood cells are affected and the cause for the condition.

Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of myelodysplasia include fever; shortness of breath; feeling weak or tired; pale skin; petechiae, or small red spots on the skin; easy bruising and bleeding; spleen enlargement; and frequent infections.

Considerations

• Most cases of myelodysplasia are found in people over 50, but about 100 cases each year are diagnosed in children in the United States.

Risk Factors

• Factors that increase the likelihood of developing myelodysplasia include being male, white and over age 60; radiation exposure; toxic chemical exposure; some medications; and viral infections. Tobacco smoking, pesticides and genetic factors also increase risk.

Survival Statistics

• According to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, up to 60 percent of people who receive bone-marrow transfusions for myelodysplasia survive long-term.