What is Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
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Introduction
What is myelodysplastic syndrome? Myelodysplastic syndrome (or MDS) is a group of diseases that disrupts the normal production of blood cells in the bone marrow. With MDS, the bone marrow is over-active but the numbers of normal blood cells released in the blood stream are reduced. Bone marrow produces stem cells that will eventually mature and develop into any of the three types of blood cells, namely: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The disease will cause these blood cells die while still inside the bone marrow and while entering the blood stream. The end result will be abnormally low levels of all types of blood cells circulating in the body.
Who Can Get Inflicted with Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
MDS is rarely found in childhood and young adults. Most patients are over the age of 50; with more men than women. In younger patients, the number is even.
Patients who have undergone cancer treatments can get MDS as one of the long-term side effects from high doses of chemotherapy drugs and radiation. Potent drugs are toxic to the bone marrow. Secondary MDS is difficult to treat even when the cause is identified.
People exposed to large amount of harmful chemicals have high risk of developing MDS eventually. Benzene is a known industrial chemical often found in gasoline, furniture polish, rubber plastics, and cigarette smoke.
What are the symptoms of MDS?
Myelodysplastic syndrome is a condition that can lead to cancer. Some people can have MDS but still able to live normally without showing any signs of the illness. In many cases, MDS is often undetected because the symptoms resemble those of other diseases. Common symptoms include: fatigue, anemia, infections, nausea, bruising, and bleeding.
Myelodysplastic Anemia? Learn Some Causes
New Hope for MDS Patients
What are the Treatment Methods for MDS?
There is no permanent cure for the illness yet. The bone marrow transplants have about 20 to 40 percent of success in providing cure but patients must younger and in a good state of health. Chemotherapy and stem cell transplants are also offered to qualified patients.
Common treatment techniques are designed to help relieve the symptoms. Supportive care includes blood transfusions and drug therapies.
Benzene Leukemia Law Blog
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Related Links
- Sloan-Kettering - Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Highlights of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's services for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), with current information about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and important issues after treatment. - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Learn more facts about Myelodysplastic Syndrome and understand more. - Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment - M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Information on myelodysplastic syndrome, types, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. - Myelodysplastic syndromes
Find more facts about the disease called Myelodysplastic Syndrome. - ACS :: What Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
All key information about Myelodysplastic Syndrome are discussed extensively on this site. - Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment - National Cancer Institute
Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome in the News
- CalendarPark Ridge Herald-Advocate5 days ago
Submissions for "Community Calendar" are required two weeks preceding the date of publication. Send to: Mary Ann Bottari, Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026; mbottari@pioneerlocal.com. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495.
- Community CalendarNiles Herald-Spectator5 days ago
Submissions for Community Calendar are required 14 days preceding the date of publication. Send to: Niles Managing Editor, Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495 or e-mailed to mbottari@pioneerlocal.com.
- CalendarEdison-Norwood Times Review5 days ago
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed.
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