MDS: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of MDS?

The symptoms of MDS may vary greatly from person to person.The symptoms depend on what blood cells are affected and how low the blood counts have fallen. A person with MDS can have any of the following:

• Low Red Blood Cell Count: A low red blood cell count is called anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A low red blood cell count causes fatigue and tiredness.
• Low White Blood Cell Count: A low white blood cell count is called neutropenia. White blood cells fight infections in the body by attacking and killing bacteria and viruses. A low white blood cell count can increase the risk for infections.
• Low Platelet Count: A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help blood to clot and stop bleeding. A low platelet count can lead to bleeding problems and cause you to bruise easily.

If your MDS is in its early stages and your blood counts are not too low yet, you may have only mild symptoms. If your blood counts are very low, you will have more symptoms.

Lean more about the possible symptoms of low blood counts.