Myeloproliferative and Myelodysplastic Disorders

Myeloproliferative and Myelodysplastic Disorders are specific disorders and diseases of the blood cells. While both are very similar, myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) are diseases where bone marrow generates too many of a specific type of blood cells. Myelodyplastic disorders (MDS) are groups of cancers where the blood cells in the marrow do not mature to become healthy blood cells. In certain situations, these disorders can progress into leukemia.

Risk Factors

The most important risk factor for these disorders is prior treatment with chemotherapy, as certain drugs can make patients more susceptible, especially to myelodysplastic disorders. Additional risk factors include:

• Prior radiation therapy
• Smoking
• Exposures to high doses of radiation at work or home
• Genetic syndromes or mutations

Diagnosing Myeloproliferative and Myelodysplastic Disorders

Because these disorders are found in the blood cells, they are most often detected through normal blood examinations. Based on initial tests, the diagnostic evaluation choices will be made. Some of the most common tests and exams include:

• Blood cell counts
• Bone marrow tests

The team of cancer experts at CareMount Medical have been extensively trained to diagnose and treat MPD and MDS disorders.

Myeloproliferative and Myelodysplastic Disorder Symptoms

The most common symptoms of these disorders are due to the abnormal blood counts. Further symptoms of these disorders may include:

• Tiredness and shortness of breath.
• Lack of color (paleness) in skin.
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Frequent nose bleeds, or bleeding from the gums.
• Excessive blood clotting like strokes, heart attacks and deep vein thrombosis.

MPD and MDS Treatments

For all of these cancers, the treatments are fairly similar. However, the exact treatment will be determined based on the severity and stage of the cancer. The most common treatments include:

• Targeted Therapy
• Chemotherapy

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule an appointment or obtain a second opinion on your diagnosis, please call the CareMount Medical Cancer Center Referral Line at 1-844-484-3292.

MPD and MDS Providers

• Julie M. Gold, MD
• Jonathan S. Goldberg, MD
• Jeffrey L. Halaas, MD PhD
• Jason Rubin, MD, FACP
• Saad Yousuf, MD