Myelodysplastic Vs. Myeloproliferative Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders are two distinct sets of diseases involving the body’s production of blood cells. The symptoms and severity of these diseases vary according to a number of different factors.

The Facts

• Myelodysplastic syndromes cause an underproduction of healthy blood cells inside the bone marrow, according to the National Cancer Institute. Myeloproliferative disorders cause abnormally high production of blood cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

• Myelodysplastic syndromes include several different forms of anemia (low red blood cell count), which sometimes also include mild or moderate decreases in white blood cells and platelets. They also include a form of cancer called chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

Myeloproliferative Disorders

• Myeloproliferative disorders include excess production of red blood cells (polycythemia vera), excess production of platelets (essential thrombocytosis) and excess production of fibrous bone marrow tissue (myelofibrosis). They also include a form of cancer called chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes Causes and Risks

• Most cases of myelodysplastic syndromes have no clear cause. Risk factors for these diseases include previous treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy and benzene exposure, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Myeloproliferative Disorders Causes and Risks

• The causes of myeloproliferative disorders are not fully understood. Potential risk factors include genetic predisposition and exposure to chemicals, electrical wiring or radiation.