MDS and Its Affect on the Blood
Myelodysplastic syndromes or MDS has a negative impact on a person’s blood. As one of the precursors to leukemia, which is a cancer of the bloodstream, MDS has direct implications on the red and white blood cells, as well as on the bone marrow. Some forms of MDS are easy to manage but others that are difficult to treat may lead to other health complications such as leikemia.
Each year in the United States, about 10,000 to 15,000 people are affected by MDS of the blood. In rare cases, children and young adults may be diagnosed with this ilness but the median age for those commonly afflicted is 65 years. Statistics also show that MDS is more common in men than in women, although, both sexes can be affected by the diseases.
MDS Blood Causes?
When MDS has developed in the blood it means that the body is not producing a normal amount of healthy red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. In conjunction with the production of blood cells, the bone marrow will produce blasts or unformed cells. Blasts typically develop into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. When MDS is present in the blood, the blasts form in an abnormal manner resulting in the cells not developing or functioning properly.
The cause of the changes in blood cell production and bone marrow conditions is, at this point, unknown although scientists and researchers continue to wok to discover what causes MDS and the cancers associated with it. Doctors have been able to link this abnormality, in some cases, to the patient’s extended exposure to toxic chemicals such as benzene or to their exposure to pesticides and radiation. Environmental factors are responsible for these cases that are referred to as secondary MDS or treatment-related MDS.
Symptoms Related to MDS
Depending upon how severe the disease is and the impact MDS has had on the blood, the symptoms can vary from patient to patient. A diagnosis may be incredibly painful especially since people are often experiencing no symptoms when they are initally diagnosed. The diseases can be found by running a routine blood test in which doctors can determine whether the patient’s blood cell count is higher or lower than normal. Anemia may develop when a person has a low red blood cell count resulting in weakness, exhaustion, pale skin and shortness of breath. Anemia is the most common form of MDS, according to reports, and can have a significant impact on the blood.
White blood cell help fight infection so when the count is low, the resulting symptoms include frequent infections and fevers. A low white blood cell count may show up as uncontrollable bleeding and easy bruising.
Have you experienced some or all of these symptoms and believe you could be at risk of MDS of the blood due to your exposure to benzene? If so, please contact an experienced and trustworthy Benzene attorney who can evaluate your case and ensure that you receive the legal guidance you need and deserve.