What is the full form of MDS?

What is MDS?

MDS stands for Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This disease is also known as myelodysplasia and myelodysplastic neoplasm. This syndrome is a group of cancers which prevents the blood stem cells to get matured and become healthy blood cells. If there is a lack of healthy blood cells, it can lead to anemia. People suffering from this syndrome can also be affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML). People having MDS can contact with their health providers to reduce the progress of the disease.

Types of MDS

MDS is of many types and is based on changes in the blood cells. We will discuss them here.

Refractory Anemia

When the number of red blood cells reduces in the blood this leads to refractory anemia. The number of platelets and white blood cells is normal in this case.

Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts

The number of red blood cells is low and this can lead to anemia. The amount of iron in each red blood cell is too much in this case. The number of platelets and white blood cells is normal in this case.

Refractory anemia with excess blasts

A patient suffers from anemia as the number of red blood cells is very low. In this type of anemia, the number of blasts in the bone marrow is 5 to 19% of the cells which also affects the number of white blood cells and platelets. If a patient suffers from anemia with a large number of blasts, it can lead to acute myeloid leukemia.

Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia

In this type of anemia, the number of red blood cells is very low. Besides this, the number of white blood cells or platelets may also be low. Around 5% of cells in the bone marrow and 1% of cells in the blood are blasts. Red blood cells may also consist of extra iron and this condition can lead to acute myeloid leukemia.

Refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia

This is a condition in which the number of one type of any of the cells whether RBC, WBC, or platelets is low. Around 10% of the two other types are also changed. In this condition 5% of cells in the bone marrow and 1% of cells in the blood are blasts.

Unclassifiable myelodysplastic syndrome

This is a condition in which the number of blasts in the blood and bone marrow is normal.

Myelodysplastic syndrome associated with an isolated del(5q) chromosome abnormality

In this condition, the number of red blood cells is too low and around 5% of the cells in the bone marrow and blood are blasts. Specific changes occur in chromosomes.

Symptoms of MDS

People may suffer from MDS without any symptoms. People who go for regular blood tests may learn about this disease. The most common symptom that people may face is a low count of red blood cells. If a patient feels the following conditions, then it is better that he or she should visit a doctor −

• Breathlessness

• Tiredness

• Pale skin

• Bleeding

• Bruising

• Fever and frequent infections

Causes of MDS

There are many factors which can result in MDS and some of them are listed below −

• Previous radiation or chemotherapy

• Exposure to different types of carcinogens which include smoking tobacco, solvents, pesticides, etc.

• Exposure to mercury or lead

Diagnosis of MDS

There are various methods to diagnose MDS and some of them are discussed here.

CBC with differential

CBC stands for Complete Blood Count. CBC with differential is a test in which the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets are checked. Besides these, the healthcare provider also checks the amount of hemoglobin.

Blood Chemistry Studies

This is a blood test in which the amount of vitamin B12 and foliate is checked. Along with these, the amount of other substances is also checked. If the amount of any of these substances is higher or lower, then it can be a sign of MDS.

Peripheral Blood Smear

This is a test in which the amount of iron is checked in the red blood cells. The size, type, and number of blood cells is also checked.

Biopsy of Bone Marrow

This is a test in which a hollow needle is used to remove a small piece of bone along with bone marrow and blood. A pathologist checks all three things to find out if there are abnormal cells which can cause cancer.

Treatment of MDS

Currently, there is no cure for MDS but supportive treatment is provided by healthcare professionals to slow down the growth of the disease. Some of them have been discussed here.

Blood Transfusion

A blood transfusion is needed if you are suffering from anemia. Transfer of red blood cells is necessary Platelet transfusion is needed if you suffer from the problem of bleeding

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

This is a test in which the level of red blood is boosted

Antibiotics

MDS may reduce the number of WBCs and in such a case antibiotics are needed to fight infections.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is another way used to treat MDS. This therapy is conducted if there is a chance of AML. Chemotherapy is done to discard immature cells. This therapy is performed through tablets or injections.

STEM Cell Transplant

This is a treatment in which stem cells are transformed. Transformation can be done by using your blood or bone marrow. The blood or bone marrow of a donor can also be used for transplantation. The stem cells are frozen when the chemotherapy is going on. After the completion of chemotherapy, the stem cell is thawed and then transfused to the patient through intravenous infusion.

Immunosuppressant

Medicines like anti-thymocyte globulins are used to suppress the immune system for some time so that blood count can be improved.

Conclusion

MDS can be expanded as Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This is a condition which consists of a group of cancers. The red blood cells do not become mature which can cause anemia. If not treated, it can further lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It can be treated through chemotherapy, blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant, etc.

FAQs

1: What is the full form of MDS?

MDS can be expanded to Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

2: What are the symptoms of MDS?

The symptoms of MDS include tiredness, breathlessness, pale skin, bleeding, fever, and bruising.

3: What are the causes of MDS?

The causes of MDS are previous chemotherapy, exposure to carcinogens, exposure to mercury or lead

4: How can MDS be treated?

MDS can be treated through bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, blood transfusion, medication, etc.

5: Does MDS lead to anemia?

Yes! MDS leads to anemia as red blood cells are mostly affected.