MDS Symptoms
Because failure of the bone marrow to produce normal mature
cells is a slow process, MDS might not cause symptoms in its early stages.
As the disease progresses, patients might
experience:
- Fatigue
- Recurrent infections, due to leukopenia (low
white blood cell count)
- Shortness of breath or unusual paleness, due
to anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Easy or abnormal bruising or bleeding, due to
thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
- Enlargement of the liver or spleen (for
MDS/MPN)
Diagnosing MDS
At
UT Southwestern, our blood cancer specialists have the expertise to diagnosis
MDS, MDS/MPN, or CMML quickly and accurately. We begin with a review of a
patient’s medical history, a discussion of symptoms, and a thorough physical
exam.
To
confirm a diagnosis, we might recommend additional tests, such as:
- Blood tests: Tests that identify the number of red cells, white cells, and
platelets and look for changes in the appearance of various blood cells
- Bone marrow aspirate and
biopsy: Removal of a small amount of liquid bone marrow and
piece of bone, typically from the hipbone, to look for specific abnormalities
Treatment for MDS
Treatment for MDS, MDS/MPN, or
CMML depends on the severity and symptoms of the disease. Our recommended
approach might include:
- Watching and
waiting, with regular lab tests and exams
- Slowing the
progression of the disease
- Managing
symptoms
- Preventing
complications such as infections or bleeding
At
UT Southwestern, we have expertise in using the most advanced treatments for
MDS, overlap disorders, or CMML, including:
- Blood transfusions to replace red blood cells or platelets
- Medications with the goal of increasing the number of
blood cells, suppressing the immune system, stimulating blood cells to mature,
or treating infections
- Bone marrow transplant to replace abnormal bone marrow stem cells
with healthy, donated cells
Support During and After Treatment
Our care teams offer nutritional, spiritual,
and transitional guidance from the start of a patient’s journey, through
treatment, and beyond. The overall physical and emotional well-being of our
patients is vital to achieving a positive outcome. Learn more about our support
services.