Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. General signs and symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness

Other signs and symptoms may develop from the reduction of normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets caused by the disease. Anemia (an abnormally low amount of red blood cells) can trigger a variety of signs and symptoms including:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Jaundice or yellow skin and eyes
• Pale skin

The decrease in the amount of normal white blood cells decreases the patient’s defense against infection. As a result, infection may be a sign of the disease.

Thrombocytopenia (an abnormally low amount of platelets) can lower a patient’s ability to repair holes in damaged blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:

• Excessive bruising or bleeding
• Frequent or severe nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Petechiae (pinpoint spots of blood under the skin)

In many patients, MDS may not cause early symptoms and the diseases may be found during routine blood tests. When early symptoms of MDS do occur, they may be overlooked because they resemble symptoms of more common illnesses, such as influenza. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when they experience any symptom of MDS. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier treatment may begin.