MDS leukemia, also known as myelodysplastic syndromes, is described as a cluster of cancers that inflict the blood. These cancers either be non-progressive, having little to no impact on a human's life, or they can  progress to form into a severe case of leukemia, which can be life altering.

MDS leukemia starts when the blood-forming cell located in the bone marrow begins to act erratically and the production of blood cells begins to rapidly increase. When this happens, the marrow becomes full of more developing blood cells than normal and becomes a hyper-cellular marrow. During this time, the blood commonly becomes in the cells due to the high number of developing cells in the marrow that die before they can mature and be released into the bloodstream. The cells that do form and are able to be released are cancerous, though they normally can remain functional, having little impact on a person's health. The one's in question are the cells that are continuously building up without being released. In short, when someone is diagnosed with MDS leukemia, the white cells can ingest and kill of the bacteria, but the platelets often plug the blood vessels. 

Typically, MDS turns into a form of leukemia, which is why the conditions are normally joined together and treated in the same manner. When blasts cells occur in the marrow and blood, but in low proportions, doctors refer to this as MDS. If the proportions reach a higher level and the disease worsens, it is known as MDS leukemia, since the person's health has now reached a cancerous state.

How Many People are Affected with MDS Leukemia?

According to researchers, the estimated incidence of new cases of MDS leukemia is unknown in the United States. However, it is believed to be around the same number of new cases of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) reported. In 2006, nearly 12,000 people were reportedly diagnosed with AML, a fatal form of cancer for which no cure has been found.

Those who are typically affected by MDS leukemia and AML are those 60 years of age or older and studies have shown that the disease is rarely found in children.

How is MDS Leukemia Diagnosed?

MDS leukemia is usually discovered by testing a person's blood cells count and examining the appearance of the blood cells. A sample of blood marrow cells are examined in conjunction to determine if there are any abnormalities within the chromosomes. This examination and testing of the cells is known as cytogenic analysis and is effective in reaching a correct diagnosis for the patient.

Some common signs of MDS leukemia include moderate to severe anemia, extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. Pale skin and overall weakness may also be present. When the disease becomes more advanced, the patient can experience a loss of sense of well being, loss of appetite and overpowering weakness.

Have you experienced some or all of these symptoms and believe that you could have MDS leukemia? If so, please contact us today to speak with a trustworthy and experienced attorney who specializes in leukemia cases and can ensure you receive the legal advice you are seeking.

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See Also

• MDS Research
• Pre Leukemia

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