Myelodysplastia syndrome (MDS), which was once known as preleukemia, is a hematological condition that consists of a variety of health complications joined by the ineffective production of the blood cells. About one-third of patients living with MDS or myelodysplastia syndrome may develop AML or acute myelogenous leukemia within a few months or a few years after diagnosis.

The typical age of patients at the time of diagnosis is between 60 to 75 years old. MDS is typically uncommon in children. Men are more prone to the disease than women. Many symptoms can serve as MDS detector but the signs could be caused by many types of blood disorders.

With MDS, the bone marrow system becomes abnormally active but the blood cells produced does not mature properly and are unhealthy. When there are no healthy blood cells (red, white, or platelets) in the bloodstreams, the body will suffer from life-threatening complications.

Myelodysplastia syndrome is not easily diagnosed. A full blood count and examination of blood film is required. Changes in chromosomes are closely observed, too. Doctors take extra care because it is very easy to make mistakes.

About 50 percent of deaths associated to MDS occur as result of bleeding (thrombocytopenia) and infection (neutropenia). Leukemia is another risk. However, MDS that develops into leukemia is found resistant to treatments.

MDS is caused by many environmental factors; like prolonged exposure to benzene and radiation. Benzene is a toxic chemical found in most commercial substances (such as gasoline, furniture polish, and pesticides). Secondary MDS may occur in patients who have undergone cancer treatments because mutation in the bone marrow often arises (due to exposure to radiation) but the cause of the defect is still unknown.

Tags: acute myelogenous leukemia | acute myelogenous leukemia | myelodysplastia syndrome | myelodysplastia syndrome | benzene leukemia | benzene leukemia | benzene exposure | benzene exposure | preleukemia | preleukemia | AML | AML | MDS

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