Below, you’ll find must-know information about myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), refers to a collection of conditions where the bone marrow fails to produce an adequate number of healthy blood cells. Instead, it generates a surplus of immature cells known as blasts.
As a result of these blasts dying either in the bone marrow or shortly after entering the bloodstream, there is a shortage of healthy blood cells and low blood counts.
MDS is classified as a type of cancer because it can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. However, not all people with MDS will develop AML.
The exact cause of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is not well understood. However, several factors have been identified that may increase the risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Age: MDS is more common in people over the age of 60.
- Exposure to chemicals and radiation: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, and ionizing radiation, such as that used in radiation therapy, has been linked to an increased risk of MDS.
- Other blood disorders or cancer: People with a history of other blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia, or a history of cancer, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, may be at an increased risk of developing MDS.
- Family history: In rare cases, MDS may run in families and be caused by an inherited genetic mutation.
- Chronic viral infections: Chronic viral infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C, may increase the risk of MDS.
- Exposure to certain medications: Long-term exposure to certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, has been linked to an increased risk of MDS.
- Genetic mutations: MDS may result from genetic mutations or changes in the bone marrow cells.
It’s important to note that many people with MDS do not have any known risk factors. In many cases, the cause of MDS remains unknown.
There are six types of myelodysplastic syndrome. These are MDS with multilineage dysplasia, MDS with ring sideroblasts, MDS with single lineage dysplasia, MDS with excess blasts, and MDS with isolated del(5q). The rarest type of myelodysplastic syndrome is known as MDS, unclassifiable. (1)
A common question regarding this particular disease is, how serious is myelodysplastic syndrome? It can lead to serious health issues such as anemia, frequent infections, and uncontrolled bleeding.
In some cases, individuals with myelodysplastic syndrome may also develop acute myeloid leukemia. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent complications.
The survival rate for this particular disease varies widely depending on the patient’s Myelodysplastic Syndrome score. (2) If the patient has a very low score, the median survival rate is 8.8 years. A low score would have a median survival rate of 5.3 years.
A patient with an intermediate score has a median survival rate of 3 years. A patient with a high score would have a median survival rate of 1.6 years. A very high score would have a median survival rate of about 9 months. (3)
Knowing the various symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome could help prevent the disease from becoming worse. Below are myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms worth knowing.
10. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. It can be caused by the reduction in the number of red blood cells, also known as anemia.
Fatigue can also be caused by a decrease in iron levels, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.
The myelodysplastic syndrome can also cause a decrease in appetite and a change in taste, which can lead to poor nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies can cause fatigue and decreased energy levels.
9. Weakness
An individual with myelodysplastic syndrome can also experience weakness. Since nutritional deficiencies are apparent, the individual is bound to feel weak as well. Low energy levels can also contribute to the feeling of weakness.
Anemia can also cause weakness. When there is a shortage of red blood cells, the body does not receive enough oxygen. This then leads to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and decreased energy levels.
8. Shortness Of Breath
In severe cases of anemia, the lack of oxygen can cause an individual with myelodysplastic syndrome to experience shortness of breath. This is again caused by the reduced amount of oxygen that is being carried to the body’s tissues and organs.
When there is a shortage of red blood cells, the body does not receive enough oxygen to function properly. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, leading to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or exertion.
7. Pale Skin
Anemia, again, can be blamed for the pale skin of the individual with myelodysplastic syndrome. Low red blood cell count can cause symptoms such as pale skin, This is due to the low levels of hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body, and when hemoglobin levels are low, the skin may appear pale or pale grayish in color
6. Bruising
As previously mentioned, the individual with myelodysplastic syndrome is not able to produce enough healthy blood cells. This leads to a shortage of platelets.
Platelets are responsible for helping the blood clot, which prevents excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries. When there is a shortage of platelets, the blood does not clot properly. This then leads to easy bruising.
5. Bleeding Easily
Aside from easy bruising, an individual with myelodysplastic syndrome can also bleed easily. They are at risk of developing easy bleeding due to a low red blood cell count.
This low count can cause fragile blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture and resulting in easy bleeding, such as nosebleeds and gum bleeding,
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