# What are Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-mutalazimat-khalal-altanasuj-alnaqawi Language: en Category: oncology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.450Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.450Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-hiya-mutalazimat-khalal-altanasuj-alnaqawi ## Understanding Myelodysplastic Syndromes Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders affecting the bone marrow, the spongy tissue found inside certain bones of the body, such as the hip and thigh bones. Under normal conditions, bone marrow contains immature stem cells that develop into healthy blood cells: red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that help blood clot. In MDS, these stem cells do not mature into healthy blood cells, and many die within the bone marrow. This leads to a shortage of healthy blood cells, which may cause anemia, infections, or easy bleeding [\[1\]](). MDS are classified as a group of cancers in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or do not become healthy blood cells [\[2\]](). ## Types of Myelodysplastic Syndromes Different types of MDS are diagnosed based on specific changes in blood and bone marrow cells. Some common types include [\[2\]](): - **Refractory anemia:** Where there are too few red blood cells in the blood and the patient has anemia, while the white blood cell and platelet counts are normal. - **Refractory anemia with excess blasts:** There are too few red blood cells, and the patient suffers from anemia. The percentage of blasts (immature cells) in the bone marrow ranges between 5% and 19%. Changes may also occur in white blood cells and platelets. This type can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). - **Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia:** There are too few of at least two types of blood cells (red blood cells, platelets, or white blood cells). Fewer than 5% of cells in the bone marrow are blasts, and fewer than 1% in the blood. - **Myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q) chromosomal abnormality:** There are too few red blood cells in the blood and the patient has anemia. Fewer than 5% of cells in the bone marrow and blood are blasts, and a specific chromosomal change is present. - **Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML):** Characterized by the production of too many myeloid cells and monocytes (immature white blood cells) in the bone marrow [\[3\]](). ## Symptoms and Risk Factors MDS often do not cause early symptoms and may sometimes be discovered during a routine blood test. If symptoms appear, they may include [\[1\]](): - Shortness of breath. - Weakness or feeling tired. - Skin that is paler than usual. - Easy bruising or bleeding. - Very small spots under the skin resulting from bleeding (petechiae). - Fever or frequent infections. MDS are rare. The people most at risk are those over 60 years of age, those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or those exposed to certain chemicals [\[1\]](). Exposure to chemicals such as tobacco smoke, pesticides, fertilizers, solvents like benzene, and heavy metals like mercury or lead increases the risk of developing the condition [\[2\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment MDS are diagnosed through blood and bone marrow tests. The doctor may order a complete blood count (CBC), a peripheral blood smear, blood chemistry studies, as well as a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy [\[2\]](). Additional tests may be performed on bone marrow samples such as cytogenetic analysis to identify chromosomal changes, immunocytochemistry to identify antigens, flow cytometry to evaluate cells, and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) to look for genetic or chromosomal changes [\[2\]](). The main treatment options for MDS include supportive care, drug therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Supportive care aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life and may include blood transfusions (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets) and iron chelation therapy. Medications may be used to slow the progression of the disease. In some cases, a cure is possible through intensive chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant from a donor [\[2\]](). To learn more about this topic, you can visit [Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Understanding Bone Marrow Disorders and Treatment Options (Arabic)](). ## Important Next Steps If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, unexplained bleeding, or frequent fever with general weakness, it is essential to consult a doctor to evaluate your condition. These symptoms may be an indicator of MDS or other conditions requiring medical attention [\[1\]](). Early diagnosis allows for determining the best treatment path based on the type of syndrome, the number of blasts in the bone marrow, the number of affected blood cell types, and the patient's age and overall health [\[2\]](). ## Medical references - [Myelodysplastic Syndromes]() - [Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version]() - [Myelodysplastic/ Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. 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