Myelodysplastic syndromes

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Myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (pronounced: my-uh-loh-dis-plas-tik sin-drohmz) are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or cells that do not work properly.

Etymology

The term "myelodysplastic" comes from the Greek words "myelo" meaning marrow, "dys" meaning bad or difficult, and "plastic" meaning formation. Thus, it refers to the abnormal formation of cells in the bone marrow.

Definition

Myelodysplastic syndromes are conditions that affect the blood and bone marrow, characterized by ineffective blood cell production. This leads to a decrease in the number of one or more types of blood cells, causing anemia, infections, or easy bleeding.

Symptoms

Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes may include fatigue, shortness of breath, unusual bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, and red spots beneath the skin.

Causes

The exact cause of myelodysplastic syndromes is unknown. However, certain factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, chemotherapy, and genetic disorders can increase the risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes typically involves blood tests, bone marrow tests, and sometimes genetic testing.

Treatment

Treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes may include supportive care to manage symptoms, drug therapy, blood transfusions, or stem cell transplant.

Related Terms

  • Anemia: A condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
  • Bone Marrow: The spongy tissue inside some of your bones, such as your hip and thigh bones, which contains immature cells, called stem cells.
  • Stem Cell Transplant: A procedure that infuses healthy blood-forming stem cells into your body to replace your damaged or diseased bone marrow.

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