Understanding Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Genetics, and Treatment
What Are Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)? Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), also called myelodysplastic neoplasms, are a group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy, mature blood cells. Instead, blood-forming cells may develop abnormally, fail to mature properly, or die prematurely. Because bone marrow is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, MDS can result in shortages of one or more of these important types of blood cells. MDS varies considerably from person to person. Some forms progress slowly and may require little or no immediate treatment, while others are more aggressive and have a greater risk of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Bone Marrow Failure In MDS, abnormal blood-forming cells can interfere with the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells. Although the bone marrow may contain many developing cells, relatively few mature, functional cells may reach the bloodstream. This pr...