Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), also called pre-leukemia or "smoldering" leukemia, refer to a group of disorders in which the bone marrow stem cells — the primitive cells that give rise to all the different types of blood cells — are defective, causing an inadequate production of blood cells. Patients with MDS usually suffer from low red blood cell counts, low white blood cell counts and occasionally low platelets.

The cause of MDS remains unknown. Occasionally, MDS may develop after a patient receives treatment with drugs or radiation for another medical condition or after exposure to chemicals such as benzene or toluene. MDS occurs in older patients, often age 65 or older, which suggests that age may be the strongest risk factor for developing MDS.

At UCSF Medical Center, specialists in blood disorders provide consultation, diagnosis and management of patients with MDS.

To make an appointment, please call:
Hematology (415) 353-2421

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007