SYMPTOMS OF MDS

People often do not show any symptoms when they have myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).⁵ Some people discover they have MDS when a routine blood test shows abnormal results. MDS symptoms may include: fatigue, tendency to bruise easily and bleed, shortness of breath, skin that is paler than normal, fevers and/or frequent infections. Learn how to manage these symptoms on the Managing MDS Symptoms page.

Because MDS involves the ineffective production of blood cells – including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets – MDS symptoms may include low amounts of any of these blood cells. The symptoms depend on which blood cells are affected by the disease.

Low Red Blood Cell Count

Normal red blood cell count: 4.2 million to 5.9 million cells per cubic milliliter.⁶

Normal hemoglobin levels: 13-18 grams per deciliter.⁶

A low red blood cell count, also known as anemia, typically causes fatigue. Anemia is a disorder which can be mild to severe, where your body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Symptoms of anemia, like fatigue, occur because organs aren’t getting enough oxygen.

Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue/extreme tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Paleness or unsteadiness
• A tendency to feel cold
• Difficulty climbing stairs or performing simple daily tasks
• Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly

Low White Blood Cell Count

Normal white blood cell count: 4,300 to 10,800 cells per cubic milliliter.⁶

Normal neutrophil count: 1,500 – 8,000 cells per cubic milliliter.¹⁶

A low white blood cell count, also known as neutropenia, is a blood disorder that affects neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which help the body to fight off infection by destroying bacteria in your body.

Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.5° or greater
• Sore throat
• Ear infection
• Mouth ulcer or gum infection
• Body chills
• Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Painful or difficult urination
• Cloudy urine
• Reddish or swelling skin
• Excessive sweating

Low Platelet Count

Normal platelet count: 150,000 to 400,000 cells per cubic milliliter.⁶

Low platelet count or thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder where the number of blood platelets is low. Platelets are the cells that help your blood clot, such as when you have a cut. Symptoms of low platelet counts include bruising or excessive bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Increased tendency to bruise easily
• Unusually large bruises
• Nose and gum bleeding
• Unexpected bleeding
• Unusual colored spotting under skin
• Difficulty in blood clotting, resulting in prolonged bleeding
• Reddish urine
• Black or bloody stool

References