Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases that can have a severe affect on the bone marrow and blood. MDS research is consistently being conducted so researchers are better able to understand the diseases and how they can be properly treated and one day, hopefully, cured.

While some types of MDS are easily manageable, others can be severe and even-life threatening. Once they reach this stage the patient typically develops a serious form of leukemia known as acute myelogenous leukemia.  According to current MDS research that has already been obtained through clinical trials and studies, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people are diagnosed with MDS in the U.S. each year. Of these cases, approximately 80 percent of the cases affect people over the age of 60. MDS research has also proven that the diseases are more prevalent in men than in women.

MDS Research Reveals the Causes Behind the Diseases

When a patient is diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes, it means that their bone marrow is not producing enough blood cells for the body. There are a variety of ways the blood cells can be affected and it could have a negative impact on the red, white or both types of blood cells, depending on the case. MDS research has proven that in certain cases the bone marrow can also form random cell blasts. These blasts typically form into red blood cells, white blood cells or in certain patients, platelets.
 
Most MDS research has come up empty when it comes to what causes this sudden change in the bone marrow. In a number of patients, MDS could be linked to the exposure of benzene or other toxic chemicals. Researchers have also found that MDS can be caused by radiation therapy and through chemotherapy treatment for other diseases. This type of MDS is referred to as treatment-related MDS or secondary MDS.

Common Symptoms for Those with MDS

Since everyone can be affected differently by the diseases, patients' symptoms normally aren't the same. MDS is usually detected by doing a routine blood test and if a person experiences symptoms. they are the cause of a low production of blood cells. The most common symptoms that have been linked to the diseases through MDS research are:

• Pale skin
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Infections that won't go away
• Receiving an MDS Diagnosis

MDS is one of many diseases when patients can experience the above symptoms. When diagnosing MDS, doctors will typically take a close look at blood and bones marrow samples before analyzing any changes in the chromosomes or bone marrow cells. In the end, MDS can be a tough illness to diagnose seeing as the symptoms are so similar to symptoms linked to other illnesses. However, MDS research is being done on a daily basis by doctors, scientists and researchers throughout the world to ensure that MDS doesn't continue to take lives and inflict emotional and physical pain on those affected in the future.

Do you believe that you've experienced symptoms similar to those related with MDS? If so, please contact one of our experienced and trustworthy attorneys who can ensure you and your loved ones the legal advice you need and deserve.

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See Also

• Myleodysplastic Syndromes
• MDS Syndrome

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog