A group of disorders resulting from poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells. This causes tiredness, difficulty in breating, pale skin, frequent infections, easy bruising and bleeding.

Symptoms & Reports

• Constant fatigue/tiredness
• Shortness of breath during activities or exercising
• Pallor or unusual paleness resulting from anaemia
• Easy bruising and/or bleeding
• Petechiae or pinpoint-sized red spots beneath the skin
• Frequent infections

Causes

• Myelodysplastic syndrome results from changes in the bone marrow that leads to the production of defective and immature blood cells
• Factors that may contribute to this change include
• Aging
• Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Exposure to chemicals such as tobacco smoke, pesticides, benzene
• Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury
• Genetically inherited conditions such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anaemia, Shwachman Diamond syndrome, etc
• Blood disorders such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
• Family history

Prevention

• Quit smoking
• Avoid exposure to chemicals and metals that cause myelodysplastic syndrome
• Avoid exposure to cancer-causing industrial chemicals
• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

Complete blood count (CBC): To determine the number of blood cells and any abnormality in them, and to check for infections or other causes of symptoms.

Biopsy: A small sample of the bone marrow is sent for microscopic examination to assess for any abnormalities.

Genetic test: Analysis of bone marrow cells to check for genetic defects or abnormalities that can lead to myelodysplastic syndrome.