Main symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are not always obvious and can be similar to other conditions.
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages. Sometimes it's found when you have a blood test for another reason.
If you do have symptoms, they can include:
- feeling tired or weak
- feeling breathless when you do light exercise
- bleeding more than usual (such as having frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums or heavier periods) or bruising more than usual
- getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
- looking paler than usual – this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it, similar to meningitis
Symptoms are usually mild at first and slowly get worse.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you think you could have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Important
Some of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have MDS. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
What happens at your GP appointment
The GP may ask to examine you.
They'll ask about any other medical conditions or treatments you've had.
They may arrange for you to have a type of blood test called a full blood count.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer.
This does not definitely mean you have cancer.