Myelodysplastic Syndromes Symptoms and Signs

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

Not all patients have clear myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) symptoms, and some patients may not know they have MDS until signs of it show up on routine testing.

MDS Symptoms Related to Low Blood Cell Counts

Since low blood cell counts are part of MDS, patients may notice mild signs of this. Even if the patient isn’t experiencing symptoms, low blood counts may get noticed through routine blood tests.

Myelodysplastic syndromes symptoms related to low blood cell counts may include:

  • Frequent infections
  • Bruising or bleeding, including nosebleeds
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling dizzy or short of breath
  • Pale skin

Other MDS Symptoms

In addition to the symptoms listed above, some patients may experience other symptoms, including:

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pain in the bones
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References

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (2023, May). Myelodysplastic Syndromes – MDS: Symptoms and Signs. 
    https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/myelodysplastic-syndromes-mds/symptoms-and-signs

  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. (2024). What Is MDS? 
    https://www.mds-foundation.org/what-is-mds/

  • American Cancer Society (2018, January 22). Signs and Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndromes. 
    https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/myelodysplastic-syndrome/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

  • National Library of Medicine (2022, July 18). Myelodysplastic Syndrome. 
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534126/

  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (2024). Myelodysplastic Syndromes. 
    https://www.lls.org/myelodysplastic-syndromes/myelodysplastic-syndromes

  • National Health Services, UK (2024, March 11). Myelodysplastic Syndrome (Myelodysplasia). 
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/myelodysplasia/