What is Myelodysplastic Syndrome or MDS?
MDS, or myelodysplastic syndrome, is a collection of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. Normally, the bone marrow produces three major types of blood: red blood cells (which carry oxygen to the blood), white blood cells (which help the body fight infections), and platelets (which help blood clot). MDS is not considered a cancer. However, some forms of MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer. It is sometimes refered to as preleukemia, or pre-leukemia. What causes MDS? The use of DNA-damaging drugs, exposure to radiation, and contact with benzene are all possible causes of myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, and acute myelogenous leukemia. The people most likely to come into contact with benzene are those who work in industrial settings. (Display at Risk Jobs/ Exposure). How common is myelodysplastic syndrome? Approximately 7,000 to 12,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the Untied States. It primarily occurs in p
