o.k. HERE WE GO Moms blood disorder finely has a name : MDS causes, symptoms and diagnosis About 10,000 to 15,000 people are diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes in the United States each year. Although MDS can affect people of any age, more than 80% of cases are in people over age 60. MDS is more common in men than in women. Causes of MDS In MDS, the bone marrow does not make enough normal blood cells for the body. One, two or all three types of blood cells — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets — may be affected. The marrow may also make immature cells called blasts. Blasts normally develop into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. In MDS, the blasts are abnormal and do not develop or function normally. Most often the cause of the changes to the bone marrow is unknown. This is called de novo MDS. In a small number of people, MDS might be linked to heavy exposure to some chemicals, such as certain solvents, or to radiation. MDS can also be caused by treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other diseases. This is called treatment-related MDS or secondary MDS. Treatment-related MDS is often more severe and difficult to treat than de novo MDS. MDS symptoms The symptoms of MDS depend on how severe the disease is. Many people with MDS have no symptoms when they are diagnosed. Their disease is found through a routine blood test. If a person does have symptoms, they are caused by low numbers of blood cells: Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Low numbers can lead to anemia — feeling tired or weak, being short of breath and looking pale. Anemia is the most common symptom of MDS. White blood cells fight infection. Low numbers can lead to fever and frequent infections. Platelets control bleeding. Low numbers can lead to easy bleeding or bruising. In severe MDS, infection or uncontrolled bleeding can be life-threatening.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:28:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015