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Screening for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

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Screening is a way to evaluate people without symptoms to determine if they are at risk for MDS or have already developed MDS . Screening for any disease often involves:

  • Assessing your medical history—This often includes a discussion of lifestyle habits that may increase your risk of having a condition like MDS.
  • Having tests done to identify early signs of the condition

Screening Guidelines

At this time, there are no official screening guidelines for MDS. A routine yearly checkup with your doctor will usually include blood testing. If you have MDS, it will show up in the results of the blood test. Your doctor will then do further testing.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Castro-Malaspina H, O’Reilly RJ. Aplastic anemia and the myelodysplastic syndromes. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

  • Silverman LR. Myelodysplastic syndrome. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancer%5Finformation/ . Accessed November 30, 2002.