"Myelodysplastic" is a name provided to several blood conditions which, if undiagnosed, may develop into eukemia. Many people live throughout the majority of their life without knowing they have this condition until approaching retirement age. This is often when symptoms may be noticed and diagnosed by physicians. Including humans, other animals can develop an MDS such as cats and dogs which have species-specific forms of leukemia and blood disorders.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Background

The term myelodysplastic syndrome applies to several blood-related conditions that affect a person's blood cell count and other factors involving a person's health. Should a person diagnosed with MDS go untreated, he or she may progress to a form of leukemia and develop other health complications that affect the production of blood and blood cells throughout the body. Some of the conditions that can be considered an MDS are anemia and other blood infections.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation

The Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation is an international organization that endeavors to spread awareness of the conditions that fall under the umbrella of MDS to the global community. The MDS foundation spreads awareness through conferences, pamphlets and the foundation's website to both the public and the medical community. The information provided revolves around the symptoms, condition management and new treatment options for those that have been diagnosed with MDS or are concerned about having this condition.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Symptoms

Myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms present in two categories, symptomatic and asymptomatic, in regard to how a patient may exhibit this condition. As MDS is a hematological (blood) condition, having a low blood cell count is common in those diagnosed with this syndrome. However, as most diagnoses are not made until after a person has reached adulthood, he or she may have been asymptomatic for years and later become symptomatic as he or she aged and the condition worsened.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment

Myelodysplastic syndrome treatment does not come in the form of a cure, such as an antibiotic, as it is a condition that affects the blood. Instead, treatment is made available to ease the presence of related symptoms and improve a person's quality of life despite having this syndrome. Through treatment and symptom management, a myelodysplastic syndrome prognosis may improve over time. Younger persons often have a better prognosis than adults and the elderly.