Myelodysplasia

Myelodysplasia is a collection of conditions that result when bone marrow cells produce damaged cells that don't mature properly. This can lead to low numbers of red or white blood cells and platelets.

Causes

• Causes of myelodysplasia syndrome can be traced to drugs that damage the DNA, such as those used to treat cancer. Radiation and contact with the chemical benzene also have been linked to myelodysplasia.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of the syndrome can mirror other disorders, most notably anemia. Fatigue, easy bruising, shortness of breath, night sweats, weight loss and loss of appetite are common. Infections may also occur because of the decrease in white blood cells that fight off illness.

Treatments

• While some milder cases may not require treatment, myelodysplasia is often treated with medications, blood transfusions or chemotherapy. Stem cell transplantation has also been shown to be effective.