If you have received a confirmed diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDSs) or if you know someone else that has, you probably have an abundance of questions and concerns filling up your brain rather quickly. This particular condition is not very commonly known or recognized as prevalent in comparison to many other conditions, which is why it is understandable to have a considerable number of questions and/or concerns. However, the number one question that seems to be on the minds of most patients is: What is the life expectancy of Myelodysplastic syndrome?
What is Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
In order to fully understand the life expectancy and prognosis of Myelodysplastic syndrome, one must first understand the nature of this syndrome as well as what is affected by it. These syndromes are medically recognized as a heterogeneous collection of disorders that are characterized clinically by any type of peripheral cytopenia.
In most cases, this is followed directly behind a gradual impairment in the overall ability of associated stem cells that differentiate along with a high risk of transitioning into acute myeloid leukemia in its later stages. This is one of the main reasons why early detection is of the utmost importance, because it allows licensed healthcare professionals to have as much time as possible to confirm the diagnosis and map out an accurate prognosis for their patients.
What is the Life Expectancy?
There has been quite a few different studies and experiments conducted over the years that have been used to analysis and calculate accurate life expectancies for patients that have confirmed diagnoses of Myelodysplastic syndrome. In most cases, it is proven that males have a drastically shorter life expectancy than diagnosed females within the same age group. The actual age of the patient really does not matter very much once they have reached the golden years of their life, because there is only a slight variation in life expectancy timelines for patients over the age of 70.
As mentioned earlier, the best course of action to take is an early course of action because this is a condition that can escalate and transition into a leukemia in a relatively short period of time. Keeping up with regularly scheduled appointments and examinations will play an instrumental role in successfully detecting these types of conditions as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you can very well be putting your own physical health and (in extreme cases) your life at risk.
