myelodysplastisessä

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood cancers in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells. These immature cells, also called blasts, do not function properly and are unable to fight off infections or carry oxygen effectively. As a result, patients with MDS often have low numbers of one or more types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

The exact cause of MDS is unknown in most cases. However, certain risk factors have been identified, including exposure to radiation or certain chemotherapy drugs, as well as a history of other blood disorders. MDS is more common in older adults, with the average age at diagnosis being around 70 years old.

Symptoms of MDS can vary widely and often develop gradually. Common signs include fatigue, shortness of breath, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and pale skin. In some individuals, MDS may be asymptomatic and detected incidentally during routine blood tests.

Diagnosis of MDS typically involves a physical examination, a complete blood count, and a bone marrow biopsy. The bone marrow biopsy allows doctors to examine the cells for abnormalities characteristic of MDS.

Treatment for MDS depends on several factors, including the specific type of MDS, the patient's age and overall health, and the severity of their symptoms. Treatment options may include supportive care such as blood transfusions and growth factors, medications to stimulate blood cell production, or chemotherapy. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be considered. MDS can sometimes transform into acute myeloid leukemia (AML), another type of blood cancer, which is why regular monitoring is important.