Myelodysplastic Syndromes
A myelodysplastic syndrome is a type of cancer in which the immature blood cells produced by bone marrow do not mature into healthy blood cells.
Typically, immature blood cells will mature over time into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. In a patient with a myelodysplastic syndrome, however, these immature blood cells, called blasts, fail to mature and go on to die in the bone marrow or soon after they are released into the bloodstream. When an individual has fewer healthy blood cells, it can lead to infection, anemia, or cause the person to bleed more easily.
Risk factors for myelodysplastic syndromes include older age, past treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, being exposed to certain chemicals (including tobacco smoke, pesticides, fertilizers, and solvents such as benzene), and being exposed to heavy metals, such as mercury or lead.
About 10,000 people are diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes each year in the United States, with cases occurring more commonly in men and white individuals.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment (PDQ®)Source: National Cancer Institute
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