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Taking a Look at Myelodysplasia Syndrome

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Myelodysplasia syndrome (MDS), is a type of disease that is associated with abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow. Patients with the disease commonly have immature stem cells which result in unhealthy progenies such as platelets, red and white blood cells. There are different types of MDS, which are analyzed by certain changes in the blood or bone marrow. MDS can be more commonly found in Men in their 60’s seeing how the chances of myelodysplasia syndrome increases with age. Genetics also play a role in the occurrence of MDS. It can be passed down from parents to offspring that have certain mutated genes. People with Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Shwachman-Diamond, and Kostmann syndrome have an increased chance of developing this disease [1].
Previous patients who have been treated with cancer that have gone through radiation and chemotherapy have increased the risk of developing MDS. MDS is a type of bone marrow disorder that may develop into acute leukemia. This has been linked to past radiation exposure. The amount and dosage of radiation that may reach to bone marrows may increase their chance of developing MDS. Environmental risk factors that increase the risk of contracting MDS, include high doses of radiation from long-term exposure to benzene, alkylating agents and ionizing radiation. Exposure to metals and chemicals such as lead, mercury, tobacco smoke, pesticide, fertilizers and solvents also increases this risk.
Lifestyle choices can be a

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