Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Description
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood disorders that affect the bone marrow‘s ability to produce healthy blood cells. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk of infections. While there is no cure for MDS, there are effective treatments available to manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Genes Involved
Genes Involved in MDS:
- TP53
- RUNX1
- TET2
- ASXL1
- JAK2
- SF3B1
- U2AF1
- SRSF2
- ZRSR2
- IDH1/IDH2
- NPM1
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of MDS can be crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone pain
- Headaches
Causes
The exact causes of MDS are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:
- Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation
- Genetic predisposition
- Age (most common in older adults)
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Certain viral infections
- Immune system disorders
Inheritance/recurrence risk
Inheritance or Recurrence Risk in MDS:
- While MDS is not usually inherited, there are rare cases where certain gene mutations can be passed down.
- The risk of MDS recurrence after treatment depends on the specific type of MDS and the treatment received.
- Consult with a hematologist to understand your individual risk factors.
