Major Types of Blood Disorders

White Blood Cells: Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplatic syndrome is actually a family of blood cancers that affect the bone marrow, which makes different blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. For the most part, this syndrome progresses quite slowly and does not often have symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms that can appear later, however, include unusual bleeding, pale skin, shortness of breath, bruises, and chronic fatigue.

Though it is slow, myelodysplastic syndrome does have the potential to suddenly transform into a severe form of leukemia if it is not appropriately treated and monitored. Treatments typically include blood transfusions, stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three.

White Blood Cells: Leukemia

Leukemia is probably one of the most well-known forms of cancer. This type of cancer develops inside an individual's bone marrow. White blood cells multiply inside of the bone marrow, hindering the growth of new red blood cells and platelets into the system. Platelets are the cells that help stop bleeding should an individual get cut or bruised. Bone marrow transplants can be used as a form of treatment for leukemia, as a method to encourage new and healthy growth.