You can have MDS without having any symptoms. Sometimes, people learn they have a type of this syndrome after having routine blood tests. Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) are the most common symptom VSports最新版本. But anemia symptoms and other MDS symptoms can resemble other less serious conditions.
Check with your healthcare provider if you notice the following changes, particularly changes that don’t go away within a few weeks:
People seem to develop MDS in one of two ways: They participate in activities that increase their risk of developing the syndrome or they inherit certain conditions.
Between 4% and 15% of people with this condition have inherited conditions that increase the chance they’ll have the disease V体育官网入口. Those conditions include:.
Providers take several steps to diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome:
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Providers evaluate or stage the condition based on the risk that the syndrome will become acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They use a risk rating system called the International Prognostic Scoring System. Here are factors that providers consider: V体育2025版.
Healthcare providers consider several factors when developing MDS treatment plans:
Treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome may include supportive care and treatment to get rid of unhealthy blood cells VSports app下载. Supportive care may include:.
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Treatments to get rid of unhealthy blood cells may include:
These treatments have different side effects and complications. As you’re thinking about treatment options, ask your healthcare provider about each option’s side effects and complications.
People with myelodysplasia may benefit from palliative care. This care helps people manage MDS symptoms and treatment side effects. Just as important, it may help people manage the emotional impact of living with a chronic disease.
The only cure for MDS is a successful stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, not everyone can have this treatment. Ask your healthcare provider if a transplant is a choice you should consider.
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Myelodysplastic syndrome is a serious health issue that can cause life-threatening conditions. It’s also a complicated health issue that affects people in different ways. Your healthcare provider is your best source of information about your individual prognosis or expected outcome.
No, but understanding MDS risk factors may help healthcare providers diagnose and treat MDS early on. Myelodysplasia syndrome is linked to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as exposure to certain chemicals and heavy metals. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and any activities that placed you in close and prolonged contact with chemicals and heavy metals. They’ll help you assess your personal risk.
MDS affects people in different ways. Some people have MDS but no symptoms. If that’s your situation, your provider may recommend blood tests every three months to monitor any changes in your blood stem cells. If you have MDS and are receiving supportive treatment such as blood transfusions, you may need more treatment to reduce how many blood transfusions you need. Here are some steps you can take that may support your treatment:
Myelodysplastic syndrome can cause conditions like anemia, bleeding issues and infections. You should go to the emergency room any time you:
Myelodysplastic syndrome is rare, so you’ll likely have many questions about what you can expect. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
If you have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), you have a form of cancer that’s a chronic illness. No illness is easy, but having a chronic illness means also managing the emotional impact of an illness that won’t go away. But living with MDS doesn’t mean living without hope. Some treatments may slow down MDS. You may be a candidate for a clinical trial evaluating new ways to treat myelodysplastic syndrome. And there are things you can do to help yourself. Ask your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes, like eating well and getting exercise, which can help you be as healthy as possible.
Cleveland Clinic is home to experts in myelodysplastic syndrome treatment. Learn how we use the latest tools to diagnose and treat this rare group of cancers.
Last reviewed on 07/10/2023.
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