What is myelodysplasia?

Leukemia-like: An abnormal clone of cells overgrows some of the bone marrow, causing problems with the formed elements of the blood, but nowhere so severe as in a classic leukemia. There are a great many subtypes with varying likely outcomes. Good luck.

MDS Summary - Brief: Myelodysplasia (MDS) is a cancer of the bone marrow that results in low blood counts. The word can be broken down: myelo = bone marrow and dysplasia = abnormal growth. MDS is diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy. Genetic analysis is crucial. Dangers of MDS include (1) problems because of the low blood counts, and (2) progression to leukemia. Treatment includes allogeneic transplant and/or chemotherapy.

Arrested development: Myelodysplasia alludes to abnormal shapes (dysplasia) of blood progenitor cells in bone marrow. Like leukemia it arises from a cell that has acquired gene mutations, causing it to multiply and take over the marrow. Unlike leukemia it does not lead to many abnormal cells in the blood, yet it still causes a dangerous drop in normal blood cell counts. Extra mutations may lead to a secondary leukemia.