Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood. In MDS, the blood-forming cells in the marrow slow down, or even stop, making the three types of blood cells. Most patients with MDS will develop anemia (low numbers of red blood cells) and may need blood transfusions. Some patients also have low numbers of white blood cells (which fight infections) and platelets (which help blood clot when you bruise or get a cut).