A group of disorders that affect the bone marrow and the body’s blood cells are myelodysplastic syndromes or MDS. For someone who develops MDS, the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets often produce in an erratic manner and symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes varies. Even though the conditions typically affects people who are older than 50 it has been shown that younger people also and many times is a life-changing illness.
Research has found that myelodysplastic syndromes are rarely inherited and in many cases the illness develops in patients with no known cause. Nevertheless, risk factors including exposure to benzene and several others have been the cause of MDS development and its progression.
What Are Common Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
MDS symptoms can change, as mentioned before, and it depends on the patient and the stage the illness was in at time of diagnosis. However, there are some common symptoms that are sometimes so common they make it hard to make a positive myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis, which the majority of patients experience.
When an individual suffers from myelodysplastic syndromes they typically have a decrease in the number of circulating blood cells created in the bloodstream, called anemia. As a result, a person can experience a shortness of breath and fatigue. Neutropenia is another symptom of myelodysplastic syndrome, which means that there is a low white blood cell count. Someone can develop more infections if their white blood cell count is low. Some other common symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome are:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Chest pain
- Pale skin
Receiving a Myelodysplastic Syndrome Diagnosis
If an individual is experiencing any of the above myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms it’s best to see a health care physician immediately. When someone receives a MDS diagnosis, although it’s emotionally hard, is best done sooner so immediate treatment can be given.
When a medical practitioner identifies myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms, a patient will usually take a full blood count and blood smear to see if any occurrences that are unusual in the blood cells and platelets. A biopsy will be taken (a sample of bone marrow) if the blood cell count is lower than usual. At this time, certain testing such as cytogenetics is done. Spotting an abnormal number of chromosomes can assist medical professionals to accurately diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome.
Classifying Myelodysplastic Syndrome
According to research there are two main ways of classifying myelodysplastic syndrome. The FAB (French American British) system works by dividing the illness into five separate subgroups. The World Health Organization (WHO) also put together a classification method consisting of two key subgroups. These subgroups are divided by:
- Chronic and nonprogressive anemia
- Progressive and symptomatic blood cell deficiencies
Do you or someone you know have myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms?
If so, it is in your best interest to talk to one of our skilled attorneys and you can trust they will evaluate your case and guarantee that you have the legal guidance and offer advice you need.
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