myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

A group of disorders that affect the bone marrow so it does not produce enough healthy mature blood cells. People with MDS have low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts and increased monocytes in some cases. Signs and symptoms include fever, easy bruising and bleeding, infections, paleness and malaise.

MDS is not cancer but can transform into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). It may occur on its own or can be a side effect of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Also called preleukemia or smouldering leukemia.