Receiving a Myelodysplastic Syndrome Diagnosis
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) can oftentimes be a difficult illness to diagnose since there are many other health conditions that can have similar symptoms. Diseases like aplastic anemia, different leukemias and even HIV can be mistaken for MDS. As a result many patients are misdiagnosed when they actually are suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome.
In fact, with common symptoms like excessive bleeding, bruising and fatigue, patients typically have to be examined by a hematologist or hematopathologist to be accurately diagnosed as having myelodysplastic syndrome.
How Do Physicians Diagnose Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Physicians are able to perform a number of tests to help them properly diagnose a patient. These tests are able to:
- Help determine if there are changes in the amounts of the patient’s blood cells
- Whether or not the cells have an abnormal appearance when they are analyzed in through a microscope.
- Show whether or not these changes are affecting the person’s bone marrow
- Lead to the discovery of any other factors that can be effective in determining the course of treatment for the patient
The Importance of Blood and Bone Marrow Tests
There are several types of blood tests that can help determine whether the patient’s blood level is within the normal range considered to be healthy. With MDS, the red blood cells could be low, which causes anemia. Platelets may also be low, which could be responsible for bleeding and bruising. And if the white blood cells are low, this means cells levels could be diminished and infections could be caused on a continuous basis.
Bone marrow tests are also helpful in making a proper myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis. With a bone marrow transplant, a sample of the person’s bone marrow is taken to determine the number of blasts that are occurring with abnormal cells within the marrow. Physicians use a hollow needle that they insert into the hipbone in order to remove a piece of the marrow for a thorough examination.
