Myelodysplastic Syndrome Facts

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of syndromes that develop when the bone marrow ceases to function properly. In healthy people, stem cells in the bone marrow develop into healthy blood cells. In people with myelodysplastic syndrome, this normal development stops happening and it causes a lack of healthy cells. Myelodysplastic syndrome is classified as cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is a serious condition that can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome include shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, paleness and frequent infections. People with the condition may also notice easy or unusual bruising or bleeding or small red dots just underneath the skin called petechiae.

Risk Factors

• Myelodysplastic syndrome most commonly occurs in adults older than 60. It is rare in children and young adults. It is slightly more common than men than in women. Smoking increases your odds of developing the condition, as do certain congenital conditions such as Down syndrome and Fanconi's anemia.

Causes

• Most syndromes that fall into the classification of myelodysplastic syndrome develop for no apparent reason. In some cases, scientists believe the condition may develop as a result of previous cancer treatment, including certain chemotherapy drugs and exposure to certain environmental toxins such as benzene, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides.

Incidence

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates that in 2008 more than 11,000 new cases of myelodysplastic syndrome were diagnosed in the United States. The incidence rate is about four cases per 100,000 people.

Treatment

• Myelodysplastic syndrome has no cure, and no effective treatment plan has been identified. The goal in treating the condition is to prevent complications from the condition. In some cases, young and healthy individuals with the condition will undergo a bone marrow transplant as treatment. Other treatment options include transfusion therapy for people who have anemia caused by the condition and drug therapy to help stimulate blood cell production. Chemotherapy and stem cell transplants are other treatment options.