Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or myelodysplasia is a term used to describe different hematological conditions where stems cells in the bone marrow fail to mature into healthy blood cells. A myelodysplastic prognosis for people with this condition can involve the condition developing further into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), which can be fatal and is quite difficult to treat. Both MDS and AML are known to be caused by benzene exposure.

This disease is sometimes confused with aplastic anemia, because it shares many of the same symptoms such as fatigue, an increased likelihood of excessive bleeding and inexplicable bruising. Men are slightly more at risk for developing this disease than woman, which normally affects people in their seventies or eighties. In recent times, however, more cases of myelodysplastic syndrome have been diagnosed in young people who have undergone chemotherapy treatment.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "No truly effective treatment exists for most people with myelodysplastic syndromes, and therapy for the condition usually focuses on reducing or preventing complications of the disease and of treatments. Some younger people with myelodysplastic syndromes who are in otherwise good health may be candidates for a bone marrow transplant, which may help prolong life." Most deaths that occur from myelodysplastic syndrome are the result of infection or excessive bleeding.

Aside from chemotherapy, which is harmful to the bone marrow, benzene exposure, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins have been identified as a possible contributing factor to myelodysplastic syndrome.

To learn more about the eight subdivisions of myelodysplastic syndrome, which are recognized by the World Health Organization, please click on the following link to visit the website of the Mayo Clinic.

If you or someone you know was exposed to benzene and developed myelodysplastic syndrome "MLS", you may be entitled to compensation. For more information on benzene exposure lawsuits, call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or complete the email form.