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.