Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of rare blood disorders that occur when the bone marrow stops producing healthy blood cells, and instead produces immature and poorly-functioning blood cells. In people with myelodysplastic syndrome, the disorder begins when a defect occurs in a stem cell in the bone marrow. That stem cell, in turn, creates blood cells that have the same defect. These defective cells eventually outnumber healthy blood cells and live longer. They also produce chemicals that cause other stem cells to die too early. The abnormal cells also crowd out the healthy cells. Myelodysplastic syndrome can progress over time into acute myelogenous leukemia.

Between 12,000 and 20,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with MDS every year. The condition typically affects older adults, although there has been an increasing number of cases in younger people in recent years. Exposure to benzene and certain other toxic solvents and chemicals can cause myelodysplastic syndrome.

About half of those diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes have no symptoms at the time they are diagnosed with the disease. The following can be symptoms of MDS in patients who do develop symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue
• Palpitations
• Excessive bleeding, such as bleeding of the gums, nose, and under the skin
• Easy bruising, and bruising with no apparent cause
• Pale skin tone
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Mouth ulcers
• Slow healing of cuts
• Infections
• Weakness

For more information about MDS, including the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, please visit Myelodyspastic Syndrome: Medical Information.

For over 29 years, the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has fought to safeguard the rights of victims of toxic substances like benzene. The Leukemia Lawyer Web site is a service of Baron & Budd, P.C.