Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndromes or MDS has a negative impact on the bone marrow of the body. Classified as a group of stem cell disorders, this condition eventually leads to the chaotic production of the blood cells in the body.The course of myelodysplatic syndrome, in most cases, is chronic leading to more and more harm as the bone marrow is damaged and no longer functions well. Knowing the causes behind MDS has allowed researchers to find some preventatives and treatments while they continue to work towards finding a cure.

The Main Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndrome?

Research has shown that many cases of myelodysplastic syndrome can develop for no apparent reason. MDS cases that have an identifiable cause are often referred to as secondary myelodysplastic syndromes and are even more difficult to treat than myelodysplastic syndromes that have a known cause.

There are many factors that can contribute to various myelodysplastic syndromes, but researchers are still trying to determine these direct links. Though they have discovered that the following factors are causes of myelodysplastic syndromes:

• Previous Cancer Treatment – Research has proven that patients, who have received prior cancer treatment, whether through radiation or chemotherapy, are at higher risk of developing MDS. People who endure stem cell transplants are also more at risk
• Exposure to Benzene – Exposure to large amounts of harmful chemicals, such as benzene, can cause myelodysplastic syndromes. Benzene is an industrial chemical that’s found in gasoline, detergents, cigarette smoke and can even contaminate well water.
  

Symptoms of MDS

When a patient is first diagnosed with MDS their symptoms aren’t always apparent or easily diagnosed. Some patients may show no signs or obvious symptoms of the illness in the early stages. Symptoms are usually related to the abnormal blood count meaning that they will show a lower than normal amount of red and white blood cells or platelets in their body.

For a person’s body to be in healthy state and free of illness like MDS, they must have the following:

• A proper amount of healthy white blood cells, which are essential to fight infections
• Platelets, which are needed in order to prevent ongoing bleeding

Some common symptoms of the illness are:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Easy bruising
• Ongoing infections

Receiving a Diagnosis

After researching and analyzing the various factors that could be causing a patient to have myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms, their health care physician will typically conduct a physical exam and investigate the patient’s health history. The doctor will want to determine which blood cells are unhealthy by having several blood tests performed including a complete blood cell count and a peripheral blood smear.  Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor can then determine the right course of treatment depending on test results, the causes behind the patient’s illness and the severity of the symptoms they are experiencing.

If you been been exposed to benzene and feel that this exposure is one of the causes of your melodysplastic syndrome, then contact an experienced attorney. They will evaluate your claim and offer legal advice and options.

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