- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), also called myelodysplasia, is a rare type of blood cancer. It affects your bone marrow, which is the tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells.
- There are several different types of MDS, depending on things like the number and type of blood cells that are affected.
- MDS often develops slowly, over several years, and may not need treatment straight away.
- It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be managed with treatment.
- Some people with MDS go on to develop another type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
- How serious it is depends on the type of MDS, the risk of getting AML and your general health.
What is myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)?
Page last reviewed: 5 March 2025
Next review due: 5 March 2028