Myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is another type of disease that starts in the bone marrow. In MDS, the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are damaged, creating fewer red or white blood cells or platelets over time.

Myelodysplastic syndrome can sometimes lead to acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow cells. Other types of MDS are mild and easily managed.

Age and past treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may increase the risk of developing a myelodysplastic syndrome.