Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Focused on You, Not Just the Diagnosis
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of cancer conditions caused by abnormal blood cells forming in the bone marrow.
In MDS, the bone marrow has trouble making new blood cells. Many of the cells are defective, and they die earlier or are eliminated by the body's immune system. This can leave the body without enough normal blood cells.
But MDS is more than a medical condition—it’s a personal journey. That’s why we focus on understanding your unique experience, not just the clinical details. From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, we’ll support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Recognizing the Signs of MDS
Early stages of MDS are often without symptoms, but over time, a person with MDS may experience:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pale complexion (from low red blood cell counts)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Red patches under the skin from bleeding
- Frequent infections (from low white blood cell counts)
Related Treatments
Blood and Marrow Transplant
We offer autologous transplants (using your own stem cells) and allogeneic transplants (using cells from a matched donor).
More Than Medicine
Supportive Oncology
Supportive oncology is an integral part of the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute philosophy that healing comes from caring for the whole person, not just the disease.