Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Staging

April 19, 2024 
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Guido Marcucci, M.D., Chair, Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope Duarte

The care team will use a variety of tests during the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) diagnosis process.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis

MDS is diagnosed through blood and bone marrow tests, performed by a patient’s health care team. These may include those listed below.

Complete blood count (CBC): A blood sample is taken, and the cell and platelet levels are tested.

Cytogenetic analysis: A sample of blood is analyzed in a laboratory, looking for telltale chromosome changes.

Blood smear: A peripheral blood smear examines the number, size and shape of blood cells, and also checks iron levels.

Blood chemistry: This tests the levels of certain substances in the blood — such as folate, B12 or iron — to help rule out other causes of anemia.

Bone marrow biopsy or aspiration: A small part of the bone or a sample of bone marrow is removed and examined under a microscope to look for abnormal cells.

Throughout the testing process, the health care team will let patients know what to expect and when the results will be ready.

What Are the Stages of Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

Myelodysplastic syndromes are staged differently than other cancer types because blood cancers don’t form into solid tumors. As a result, MDS is given a risk score based on a number of factors, including:

• Levels of red, white and platelet cells
• The number of abnormalities in the bone marrow
• The patient’s age
• The patient’s ability to engage in everyday activities
• Genetic changes

These factors are examined by a patient’s health care team to stage the cancer into one of five risk groups:

• Very low risk
• Low risk
• Intermediate risk
• High risk
• Very high risk