Myelodysplastic syndrome affects the blood.
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or mylar dysplasia, is a set of leukemia-related syndromes that affect the blood components and bone marrow. There are several diseases associated with myelodysplastic syndrome, including several forms of refractory anemia, refractory cytopenia and diseases that are unclassifiable, according to the National Cancer Institute. Myelodysplastic syndrome is treatable in the early stages of its manifestation.
Identification
Myelodysplastic syndrome is a condition characterized by the bone marrow's inability to produce an adequate amount of blood cells for normal body functions. Blood components, red and white blood cells and platelets, do not develop and mature, causing anemia and leaving the body prone to disease and infection.
Significance
New blood cells normally emerge from blood stem cells, but myelodysplastic syndrome prevents them from developing into mature cells that eventually leave the bone marrow. These immature cells die early or develop with abnormal functions. Their presence in the bone marrow crowds out healthy blood cells, prevents their development and causes anemia to develop.
Symptoms
Characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome include fatigue, anemia, low-grade fever, pale color, easy bruising, infection and shortness of breath. Doctors confirm the condition through physical examination, blood tests and bone marrow biopsy.
Who Is at Risk?
Myelodysplastic syndrome is common among older people of European descent, particularly white men who have had a history of cancer and have undergone cancer treatment previously. Lead or mercury contamination, exposure to chemicals and prolonged smoking are other risk factors that may lead to this condition.
How Is It Treated?
Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome should be under the care of a hematologist. The first lines of treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome in conventional medicine include blood-building procedures and ridding the circulating blood of cancerous cells. Blood transfusions instantly give the body mature blood cells that are capable of delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's internal organs. The mature blood will also carry out cellular wastes. Other forms of treatment include chemotherapy and various drugs.
The Outcome
Controlling myelodysplastic syndrome as a part of leukemia is dependent on the discovery of the condition, the health condition of the patient and the effectiveness of the treatment. Follow your doctor's advice about treatment and changes in lifestyle that might lessen its severity.
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