The illness referred to as MDS, or myelodysplastic syndrome, is extremely hard for physicians to properly diagnose due to the fact that the symptoms are much like those of other diseases. The symptoms, which include fatigue and easy bruising, are much like the symptoms often associated with diseases like aplastic anemia and leukemia. Therefore, hundreds of patients per year are misdiagnosed as having MDS when they are really suffering from another illness and in need of different types of treatment. In order for patients to receive a proper myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis, they must undergo a variety of intensive tests.

It is also best to be examined by either a hematologist or hematopathologist in order to ensure that the diagnosis is 100 percent accurate so they can receive the support and treatment they need to help fight myelodysplastic syndrome.

How Do You Receive a Myelodysplastic Syndrome Diagnosis?

There are a number of tests that healthcare physicians can conduct on patients who they believe could be suffering from MDS. Some of the more commonly used tests are able to:

• Determine whether or not any changes have occurred within the patient’s blood cells
• Detect if there is an abnormal appearance in the cells, which can be analyzed through a microscope
  
• Show if these changes are going to, or already have, affected the patient’s bone marrow
  
• Allow physicians to discover other factors that could help them to determine what treatment would be best for patients

Common Symptoms of MDS

Although the symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome can vary, there are several symptoms that seem to be quite common in patient’s who receive a positive diagnosis for the illness. Among the most common symptoms are:

• Excessive bleeding
  
• Easy bruising
  
• Pale skin
  
• Fatigue
  

Types of Effective Testing

There are several blood tests that can be done in order to detect whether or not a patient has developed myelodysplastic syndrome. Testing and a complete medical history analysis are done on the patient to help doctor’s determine whether the patient’s blood level is healthy or the cells are acting in an abnormal manner.

For patients with MDS, a number of things could happen when there blood cells being to act improperly. Anemia can be caused if there is something wrong with the red blood cells, when the platelet level is low, and if their white blood cell count is low, infections could occur on a constant basis and worsen as the illness progresses.

In more severe cases, bone marrow tests help doctors better gage the illness and make a proper myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis. During a bone marrow transplant, doctors take a sample of the person’s bone marrow from their hipbone to see whether abnormal cell blasts are occurring. 

Do you know someone suffering from these symptoms and believe they could have MDS? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and ensure you and your loved ones are receiving the proper medical and legal care you deserve.

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See Also:

    * Myleodysplastic Syndromes
    * MDS Research

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