Ask A Doctor: How Long Can You Live With Untreated Mds?
Myelodysplastic Syndrome image
Expert opinion from Shobha S Reddy
MBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience · India
A myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of disorders caused when something disrupts the production of blood cells that don't work properly. Some types have no known cause. While others occur in response to cancer treatments or chemical exposure or radiation exposure. Management of MDS is most often intended to slow the disease, ease symptoms, and prevent complications. Common measures include blood transfusions, medication to boost blood cell production, and sometimes bone marrow transplants. Signs and symptoms include pancytopenia, fatigue, shortness of breath, unusual bruising, pallor, frequent infections. If MDS is left untreated, might eventually lead to cancer of bone marrow and blood cells. The survival rate depends on the stage of disease and can be around 5 years for mild disease, 3 years for intermediate stage, 1. 6 years for a later stage, and 8 months in progressive stage.
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Expert opinion from Ilya Aleksandrovskiy
M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA
Life expectancy ranges from months to years. The overall prognosis depends on the type and other risk factors if any. It also depends on the treatment options available and the patient's response to treatment.
Expert opinion from Daniel A. Foster
DO, MPH · 16 years of experience · USA
The low-risk MDS ranges from 5 years to even longer, while high-risk MDS have a shorter life span.
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