Myelodysplastic syndrome, which is often referred to as MDS, is an illness that negatively affects the bone marrow in the body. The condition is classified as a group of stem cell disorders that eventually results in the disorderly production of the body’s blood cells.  In a majority of cases, the course of myelodysplastic syndrome is chronic and it can become more harmful as the bone marrow becomes inflicted and begins to fail. Although researchers haven’t found a cure for this illness, they are aware of the causes behind myelodysplastic syndrome which has enabled them to determine various preventatives and treatments.

What Are the Main Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndrome?

Research has shown that many cases of myelodysplastic syndrome can develop for no apparent reason. MDS cases that have an identifiable cause are often referred to as secondary myelodysplastic syndromes and are even more difficult to treat than myelodysplastic syndromes that have a known cause.

There are many factors that can contribute to various myelodysplastic syndromes, but researchers are still trying to determine these direct links. Though they have discovered that the following factors are causes of myelodysplastic syndromes:

• Previous Cancer Treatment - Research has proven that patients, who have received prior cancer treatment, whether through radiation or chemotherapy, are at higher risk of developing MDS. People who endure stem cell transplants are also more at risk
  
• Exposure to Benzene - Exposure to large amounts of harmful chemicals, such as benzene, can cause myelodysplastic syndromes. Benzene is an industrial chemical that’s found in gasoline, detergents, cigarette smoke and can even contaminate well water.

Symptoms of MDS

When a patient is first diagnosed with MDS their symptoms aren’t always apparent or easily diagnosed. Since everyone experiences this type of illness differently, some patients don’t even show signs or obvious symptoms of being ill right away. However, for patients who do show symptoms, these can usually relate to an abnormal blood count, which means that they have a low amount of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets in their body.

For a person’s body to be in healthy state and free of illness like MDS, they must have the following:

• A proper amount of healthy white blood cells, which are essential to fight infections
  
• Platelets, which are needed in order to prevent ongoing bleeding
  

Some common symptoms of the illness are:

• Weakness
  
• Fatigue
  
• Dizziness
  
• Easy bruising
  
• Ongoing infections
  
• Receiving a Diagnosis
  

After researching and analyzing the various factors that could be causing a patient to have myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms, their health care physician will typically conduct a physical exam and investigate the patient’s health history. The doctor will then perform several blood tests, including a complete blood cell count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear, to determine which blood cells are unhealthy.

Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor can then determine the right course of treatment depending on test results, the causes behind the patient’s illness and the severity of the symptoms they are experiencing.
Have you been exposed to benzene and feel that this exposure is one of the causes of your melodysplastic syndrome? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who will evaluate your case and ensure you receive the legal advice you deserve.

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See Also

• Myleodysplastic Syndromes
• MDS Syndrome

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog