Myelodysplastic syndromes

Overview

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a term for a group of disorders that cause the bone marrow to produce an inadequate number of healthy blood cells — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In MDS, cells in the bone marrow responsible for making blood cells (stem cells) don't mature, don't make enough blood cells or make defective cells.

Types of MDS depend on the cell abnormality. They usually affect older individuals, but MDS can affect people at any age. For most people the cause is unknown. However, you may develop MDS after treatment for another condition, such as cancer, or from exposure to chemicals or heavy metals.

Some people with MDS may eventually develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood cells. The chances of developing AML depend on the type and cause of MDS.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for MDS

• Expertise in diagnosing MDS. The diagnosis of MDS can be difficult to make. Mayo Clinic doctors are internationally known for their diagnostic skills. Careful analysis of bone marrow chromosomes can reveal the type of MDS and exclude other possible diseases.
• Expertise in treating MDS. Mayo Clinic is a world leader in treating people who have myeloid disorders, which are rare, including MDS. In certain people, doctors may recommend a bone marrow transplant — another area of expertise at Mayo Clinic.
• Center of Excellence. The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation recognizes each of the Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota as a Center of Excellence in diagnosing, treating and researching MDS.
• Cutting-edge cancer care. In some cases, MDS may lead to cancer of the blood cells. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

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At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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