What is MDS?

Majority of people are aware of the different types of cancer like leukemia and MDS that affect a number of people. However, there is a lack of general knowledge on the causes of these diseases and the options for treatment that are available. It is therefore very advantageous to completely understand the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) before going to the procedure of asking regarding leukemia and all its forms.

MDS are a combined constitution of different hematological conditions that are integrated when there is an absence of adequate amounts of red and white blood cells in the body. MDS results from the bone marrow stem cell, causing a disorderly production of blood cells in the bloodstream. For many years this fatal form of cancer has commonly been called as “preleukemia” because it almost always leads to the development of leukemia, which is the cancer of the blood.

What Causes MDS?

A patient suffering from MDS experiences abnormal production and reproduction of blood cells. Simply put, this means that the blood reveals itself by producing adverse defects in its blood-forming cells. If this problem with the blood cells persists over time, more often it worsens, resulting in the gradual deterioration of the bone marrow.

Genetic factors play a huge role in the the development of MDS, specifically in children who suffer from the disease. However, effects from the environment can also cause healthy cells to develop abnormalities and to produce cancer-causing cells in the long run.

Benzene is a toxic chemical that is consider to have cancer causing effects on the body. This chemical is used in the production of a variety of products such as gasoline, sodas and cigarettes. People who develop MDS are often not aware that they have been exposed to Benzene until it is too late.

Caution Signs for MDS

Studies show that of all MDS patients, about one-third suffer from deteriorating health after their preliminary diagnosis; these patients are also very likely to develop acute myelogenous leukemia or AML. Some of the most common MDS symptoms include:

*Paleness of skin

*Bruising and bleeding

*Experiencing extreme fatigue

*Infections the recur

If you are experiencing symptoms of MDS and have a history of being exposed to benzene, it is important to contact an experienced benzene attorney to receive a free evaluation of your case.

Find more information about MDS and the relationship with exposure to benzene at the Benzene Leukemia Lawblog