Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Most patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are over age 60 and initially visit their doctor because they are experiencing fatigue due to anemia, a condition where there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. If the anemia is severe, the patient may require red blood cell transfusions.

In addition, some patients have bruising and bleeding due to a low platelet count. Others develop infections because they have fewer white blood cells to fight off infection. MDS also can cause:

• Fevers and sweats
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss

The severity of symptoms ranges dramatically from one patient to another.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007