Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood disorders in which the bone marrow is unable to produce one or more types of normal healthy blood cells.
In some people, the disease can progress very slowly, and over time patients need blood products such as red cell transfusions or platelets.
In other cases, the disease can progress to leukaemia (AML).
Treatment is usually based on a number of factors, such as the symptoms, other conditions, the likelihood that the disease will progress quickly (Prognostic Score) and of course the wishes of the patient.
MDS cannot be cured, but patients can be supported to enable them to live well with the disease.
Symptoms can include
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising
- Frequent infections
- Breathlessness, especially on exertion
- Sometimes chest pain
Tests will include blood tests and usually a bone marrow biopsy.
You can find out more information on MDS here
NHS
MDS Patient Support
Local support group kentgroup@mdspatientsupport.org.uk
