What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas

Any or all blood cell types may be affected by myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The direct effects of MDS may include: 

• Anemia and fatigue if red blood cells counts are low – this is the most common presentation 

• Increased risk of infection if white blood cell counts are low 

• Compromised ability to control bleeding if platelets counts are low 

Failure of the bone marrow to produce normal cells is a gradual process. As such, MDS is primarily a disease of the aging and most patients are over 65 years of age. Some patients may survive with MDS while approximately one-third will have their disease progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML that develops from MDS is a difficult disease to treat.