Myelodysplastic Syndrome Definition

Myelodysplastic syndromes are rare blood disorders that occur when the blood cells in bone marrow do not develop properly. Myelodysplastic, sometimes called myelodyplasia, affects platelets and red and white blood cells. The affected cells are unable to enter the bloodstream, resulting in low blood counts. In some cases, the condition can lead to leukemia or people can develop life-threatening complications form the condition.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of myelodyplastic syndromes include fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches and dizziness, unusual bleeding and bruising and frequent infections.

Types

• The World Health Organization recognizes eight different myelodyplastic syndromes. The different types are based on blood counts and bone marrow changes.

Causes

• For most types of myelodyplastic syndrome, there is no known cause. However, some types can be caused by exposure to toxins such as benzene.

Treatment

• There is no cure for any of the myelodyplastic syndromes, but there are some options for supporting treatment, including transfusions of red blood cells, drug therapy, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. The type of treatment is typically dependent on the type of syndrome a person has.

Risk Factors

• People older than 60 are more likely to develop myelodyplastic syndromes and slightly more men than women develop them. Smoking also increases your risk because cigarette smoke contains benzene.