About Myelodysplastic Syndrome
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a myelodysplastic syndrome, knowledge is key. Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of cancers in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells.
With myelodysplastic syndrome, these immature blood cells, called blasts, do not work the way they should, which leaves less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets to form in the bone marrow. When there are fewer healthy blood cells, it's easier for infection, anemia or bleeding to occur. Learn more about the common symptoms and risk factors of myelodysplastic syndromes below.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Signs and symptoms of a myelodysplastic syndrome include shortness of breath and feeling tired.
Myelodysplastic syndromes often do not cause early signs or symptoms. They may be found during a routine blood test. Signs and symptoms may be caused by myelodysplastic syndromes or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Bleeding easily
- Bruising easily
- Having skin that is paler than usual
- Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding)
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or feeling tired
Age and past treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer affect the risk of a myelodysplastic syndrome. Other risk factors for myelodysplastic syndromes include:
- Being exposed to certain chemicals, including tobacco smoke, pesticides, fertilizers and solvents like benzene
- Being exposed to heavy metals, such as mercury or lead
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