Causes and Risk Factors

• Age: Most common in people over 60.

• Previous cancer treatment: People who’ve had chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers are at a higher risk.

• Exposure to chemicals: Chemicals like benzene or certain pesticides may increase the risk.

• Genetic conditions: Certain inherited syndromes, like Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, and others, may increase the likelihood.

• Family history: A family history of blood disorders can increase risk, though it’s not very common.

Symptoms

The symptoms of MDS can be vague and develop slowly. Common signs include:

• Fatigue or feeling weak due to low red blood cell count (anemia).

• Frequent infections due to low white blood cells.

• Easy bruising or bleeding (gums, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding after cuts) due to low platelets.

• Pale skin and shortness of breath.

• Unexplained weight loss or a feeling of being unwell.

Diagnosis

MDS is diagnosed with several tests:

• Blood tests: To check for abnormal levels of blood cells (red, white, and platelets).

• Bone marrow biopsy: To examine the marrow for abnormal cells and check its functionality.

• Cytogenetic tests: To identify genetic abnormalities in the bone marrow cells.

• Flow cytometry and molecular tests may also help to determine the type of MDS and guide treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of MDS and can include:

• Supportive care: Blood transfusions to manage anemia and platelets.

• Growth factors: To stimulate the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.

• Chemotherapy: In more severe cases or when the disease progresses to leukemia.

• Stem cell transplant: For eligible patients, this can be a potentially curative option.

• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: For specific genetic mutations in some cases.