myelodysplasiás

Myelodysplastic syndromes, often abbreviated as MDS, are a group of blood cancers where the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. In MDS, the bone marrow produces immature cells, called blasts, or cells that are abnormal in appearance. These abnormal cells crowd out the healthy cells, leading to a shortage of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

The exact cause of MDS is often unknown, but it can be associated with previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Risk factors include older age and exposure to certain environmental toxins. Symptoms can vary depending on which blood cell types are affected. A common symptom is anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Low white blood cell counts can lead to frequent infections, while low platelet counts can result in easy bruising or bleeding.

Diagnosis of MDS typically involves a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy. The biopsy allows doctors to examine the cells in the bone marrow for abnormalities. Treatment for MDS depends on the specific type, the patient's age, overall health, and the severity of the disease. Options can range from supportive care, such as blood transfusions and growth factors, to medications that improve bone marrow function or chemotherapy. In some cases, a stem cell transplant may be considered. MDS can sometimes progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive form of leukemia.