Myelodysplastic syndromes, more commonly referred to as MDS, can have an extremely negative impact on a person's blood. As one of the precursors to leukemia, which is a cancer of the bloodstream, MDS has direct implications on the red and white blood cells, as well as on the bone marrow. Although some types of MDS are easily managed, others are more difficult to treat and in these cases, leukemia and other health complications can arise in patients.

MDS in the blood affects an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people in the United States yearly. The median age for those commonly affected by the diseases is 65; however, in rare cases, younger adults and children can be diagnosed with this sometimes fatal illness. Statistics also show that MDS is more common in men than in women, although, both sexes can be affected by the diseases.

What Causes MDS of the Blood?

When a person develops MDS in their bloodstream, this means that their body is not producing enough normal, healthy red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. In conjunction with the sporadic production of blood cells, the bone marrow usually also makes unformed cells, known as blasts. Blasts typically form into either red or white blood cells, or platelets. With MDS of the blood, these blasts occur in an abnormal and curious manner causing the cells not to develop or function properly.

For the most part, the cause of this spontaneous change in the blood cell production and bone marrow condition remains unknown, though scientists and researchers are working vigorously to discover the truth behind MDS and the cancers it causes. However, in certain cases, doctors have been able to link this abnormality to a person's lengthy exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene, or their exposure to radiation and pesticides. These cases are referred to as secondary MDS or treatment-related MDS since they are caused by environmental factors.

Symptoms of the Diseases

Depending upon how severe the disease is and the impact MDS has had on the blood, the symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some people can even experience no symptoms when they are initially diagnosed, making their diagnosis all the more painful. The diseases can be found by running a routine blood test in which doctors can determine whether the patient’s blood cell count is higher or lower than normal. When a person's red blood cell count is low, anemia can develop and they can often feel weak, exhausted, have pale skin and be constantly short of breath. According to reports, anemia is the most common form of MDS and can have a significant impact on the blood.

When a patient has a low number of white blood cells, which fight infection, they can experience frequent infections and consistent fevers. Uncontrollable bleeding and easy bruising can also be common symptoms of a low white blood cell count.

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See Also:

• WhatisMDS
• Myleodysplastic Syndromes

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog