Myelodysplastic syndrome is a complex medical condition that begins silently in the bone marrow, where it fails to produce healthy and sufficient blood cells. Over time, the syndrome may turn into more serious diseases such as leukemia. In the following lines, we will review together its causes, symptoms, and modern methods of diagnosis and treatment. Follow with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to learn more details.
What is myelodysplastic syndrome
It is a group of disorders that affect the bone marrow, which is the part responsible for producing blood cells. In myelodysplastic syndrome, the bone marrow is unable to produce healthy blood cells, whether red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, in sufficient quantities, or it is unable to produce them with normal quality. In most cases, the cells produced are distorted and immature, which leads to various health problems such as anemia, recurrent infections, and easy bleeding. Over time, some cases develop into acute myeloid leukemia, and this syndrome usually affects adults.
Causes of myelodysplastic syndrome
There are a group of different causes that lead to myelodysplastic syndrome, and these causes are as follows:
Fundamental factors
In most cases, the direct cause of myelodysplasia is not known, and it is believed that random genetic changes in bone marrow cells with age play a major role.
Secondary factors
- Chemotherapy Or previous radiation, as some patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer may develop myelodysplasia years after treatment.
- Exposure to chemicals such as benzene or some industrial materials in turn increases the risk of developing the disease.
- Some genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or aplastic anemia, are associated with an increased risk of myelodysplasia.
- Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
- Factors related to the immune system. Some conditions associated with chronic immune disorders affect the bone marrow.
Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome
There are a number of main symptoms that indicate the syndrome, including the following:
- Anemia and feeling extremely tired, with shortness of breath and pale skin.
- Lack of white blood cells and frequent infections due to a weak immune system.
- Platelet deficiency: The person suffers from easy bleeding or bruising for no apparent reason, along with bleeding gums or nose.
- Anorexia.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever without obvious infection.
You can visit Al Moosa Hospital if you suffer from myelodysplastic syndrome through Oncology center To know the treatment plan and how to make a diagnosis
Diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome
The disease is diagnosed by going through several stages carried out by the doctor, and the diagnosis is made through the following points:
- The doctor begins by taking the patient's complete medical history and examining all the symptoms he appears, such as fatigue, bleeding, or recurrent infections.
- Then blood tests are performed, which include a complete blood count (CBC), and the appearance of the blood cells is examined under a microscope until the doctor notices the presence of deformed or immature cells.
- Bone marrow examination, by taking a sample of it from the pelvic bone for analysis. The examination shows the presence of abnormal cells or a defect in cell growth.
- Genetic and chromosomal analyses. Bone marrow cells are examined to detect genetic mutations or chromosomal imbalances that help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of disease.
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Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome
There are simplified and organized methods followed by the doctor to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, and the types of treatment for this syndrome come as follows:
- Blood transfusion, which treats anemia or platelet deficiency.
- Use antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.
- Use of bone marrow stimulating medications, such as erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells.
- Immunosuppressive treatment for some conditions associated with immune dysfunction.
- Treatment with mild chemicals such as azadine or decitabine medications that help regulate the growth of bone marrow cells.
- Bone marrow transplantation, or what is known as stem cell transplantation, is the only curative treatment currently for some patients, especially younger ones or those with severe cases, and it depends on replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a matching donor.
- The use of modern drugs that target specific genetic mutations found in affected cells.
How to prevent myelodysplastic syndrome
Ways to prevent this syndrome are as follows:
- Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals such as benzene, pesticides, and heavy metals, especially in the workplace.
- Limit exposure to unnecessary radiation, such as X-rays or radiation treatments, except when necessary and under close medical supervision.
- Use means of protection in hazardous work environments, such as wearing protective clothing and air purifiers in factories and laboratories.
- Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of developing several blood diseases, including myelodysplasia.
- Close medical follow-up after chemotherapy or radiation.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and strengthening the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Is myelodysplastic syndrome cancer?
It is not an outright cancer at first, but it is considered an early cancerous condition or what is known as a potential cancerous disease, as a defect occurs in the production of blood cells within the bone marrow, but over time some types of it can develop into acute myeloid leukemia, and for this reason it is treated with caution and closely monitored to determine the type of development heading towards cancer.
Is dysplasia dangerous?
Myelodysplasia can be dangerous if it is not treated appropriately, as it leads to the production of abnormal blood cells that may cause serious health problems such as anemia, recurrent infections, and bleeding. In some cases, the disease can develop into acute leukemia, which makes the health condition require constant monitoring and continuous treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve treatment results and prevent complications.
Can dysplasia be cured?
Recovery depends on many factors, including the type of disease, its severity, the patient’s response to treatment, and age. In some cases, significant improvement or even partial recovery can be achieved through the use of supportive treatments, such as blood transfusions, or treatment with suppressive medications. In severe cases, the situation may reach a bone marrow transplant, and in some cases it may develop into leukemia, which increases the complexity of treatment and thus reduces the chances of recovery.
Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is one of the best hospitals and centers specialized in treating such cases. If you suffer from myelodysplastic syndrome, booking an appointment at the hospital is your first step towards treatment.
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