Mylo Dysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders in which blood cells inside bone marrow don't form properly or are dysfunctional. MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia. There is no cure for MDS but treatment can help you reduce or prevent complications and deal with symptoms.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of MDS include frequent infections, fatigue, shortness of breath, unusual paleness because of anemia, pinpoint sized red spots under your skin and easy or unusual bleeding and bruising.

Causes

• Myelodysplastic syndromes are caused by abnormally developing blood cells inside bone marrow. The abnormal cells begin to outnumber healthy cells, which allows MDS to progress.

Risks

• Risks of developing MDS include being over age 60, male, have had radiation or chemotherapy treatment or having been exposed to heavy metals such as mercury or chemicals like those in tobacco smoke.

Treatment

• Treatment includes blood transfusions and medicines to suppress the immune system or help blood cells mature. Treatment may include a bone marrow stem cell transplant to replace your damaged blood cells.

Complications

• Complications of myelodysplastic syndromes include recurrent infections because of a low white blood cell count, anemia, unstoppable bleeding and an increased risk of developing leukemia.