- Red blood cells to carry oxygen
- White blood cells to fight off disease and infection
- Platelets to clot the blood and stop bleeding
While the cause of these diseases is usually unknown, they can develop from previous radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer. We may recommend simply managing the symptoms, or treating the disease with chemotherapy, possibly followed by a stem cell transplant. Our MDS treatment services are offered throughout the Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Maryland areas.
Learn more about blood chemotherapy or our Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program.
Myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms
Many people with MDS have no symptoms at first, but as the condition progresses, symptoms often relate to low blood cell counts.
Common myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms include:
- Fatigue or easily exhaustible
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Tiny, flat blood spots under the skin (petechiae)
- Frequent infections or fevers
- Anemia or pale skin
Other conditions can cause these symptoms, too, so it’s important to see a doctor. Find a myelodysplastic syndrome expert at MedStar Health.
Myelodysplastic syndrome causes & risk
While we don’t know what causes most myelodysplastic syndrome cases, there are a few risk factors:
- Previous treatment: Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer can later cause one of the diseases.
- Environmental exposures: Exposure to smoke, chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers and solvents, and heavy metals, like mercury or lead, can increase your risk.
- Age (most common after 60)
Myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis
Successful myelodysplastic syndrome treatment depends on a complete and accurate diagnosis. Each of our patients receives a thorough evaluation so we can create an individualized plan. We diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome with:
- History and Physical Examination: We complete a thorough examination and take a full personal and family medical history
- Blood Work: We may take a blood sample to test your complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, and other factors
- Biopsy: We use a hollow needle to remove a small sample of bone marrow, blood, and bone from the hipbone or breastbone. The samples are studied under a microscope and may get other testing, including analysis for genetic changes
Myelodysplastic syndrome treatment
For lower-risk patients, we may recommend treatment to lessen symptoms, prevent infections, or boost the number of missing blood cells. But for higher-risk patients (and those who are strong enough), we may recommend chemotherapy, possibly followed by a stem cell transplant. Overall treatments include:
- Supportive care (transfusions, medications)
- Chemotherapy or targeted therapy
- Stem cell transplant (potential cure)
Learn more about blood chemotherapy or our Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program.
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Additional information
Learn more about hematological disorders and blood cancer care at MedStar Health.