Myelodysplastic Syndrome, also known as MDS, is among the disease group known as "bone marrow failure diseases" in the medical literature, popularly referred to as "bone marrow laziness". In MDS, the problem is in the bone marrow cells. The structure of these cells is defective and they do not work properly. The most important aspect of the disease is that it can turn into leukemias with rapid onset and rapid course, which we know as "acute leukemia".
What is the cause of MDS?
MDS' The exact cause is not clear. It is stated that certain lifestyle factors (alcohol, smoking, unbalanced diet, adulterated foods) can cause MDS. Apart from these, exposure to chemicals such as benzene that affect the bone marrow and chemotherapy or radiation therapy are also among the causes of MDS. MDS cannot be passed from parent to child through genes. It is not contagious.
In which age group is MDS seen?
The majority of patients are over the age of 60. The average age at diagnosis is 71 years. It is more common in men than women.
What signs and symptoms may occur in MDS?
Although MDS can be seen at any age, it is especially common in elderly patients. There is a decrease in one, a few or all of the three cell groups in the blood called white blood cells (leukocyte = white blood cell), red blood cell (erythrocyte = red cell) and blood platelets (thrombocyte = clotting cells). While it may be noticed accidentally in blood tests performed without any complaints from the patient, the patient may also consult a doctor with some signs and symptoms related to the low level of these cells. Let's briefly explain these signs and symptoms:
Signs and symptoms related to low white blood cells:
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Frequent infection: Due to all kinds of microorganisms. infections can be monitored. While it may be a simple throat infection, infections such as severe pneumonia (lung infection) and urinary tract inflammation may also occur.
Signs and symptoms due to low red blood cells: Anemia.
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Weakness
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Fatigue
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Paleness
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Shortness of breath caused by walking or climbing stairs
Seemed due to low red blood cells signs and symptoms:
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bruising and bleeding on the skin
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Any kind of bleeding other than the skin, including nose bleeding and urinary tract bleeding Bleeding may occur.
What disorders are seen in the blood test of a patient with MDS?
The blood test called complete blood count Your level and cell groups are examined:
Blood level: Known as hemoglobin level. If it is low, it indicates anemia. It is generally low in patients with MDS.
WBC (White cells = leukocyte = warrior cells): It is generally low in MDS.
PLT (Platelet=thrombocyte=clotting cells=blood platelets): It is generally low in MDS, but may sometimes be high depending on the subtype of the disease.
To diagnose MDS. Is it necessary to perform a bone marrow biopsy?
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are necessary to diagnose the disease, determine its subtype and organize the treatment correctly.
MDS Treatment How is it done?
In order to organize MDS treatment, the subtype of the disease must first be determined. Once this is determined, the risk group of the disease is determined by looking at certain criteria.
Low risk MDS patients can be monitored without treatment if they have no complaints. The goal in treated patients is to reduce the signs and symptoms due to low blood pressure. Blood transfusion and growth hormones that will increase blood levels can be used for this purpose.
In high-risk MDS patients, the goal is to destroy the disease by changing the biology of the disease and prevent the transformation into acute leukemia. For this purpose, some drugs called "hypomethylating agents", chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation can be used.
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