Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Diagnosis

If your doctors suspect that you might have myelodysplastic syndrome, he or she may refer you to a “hematologist,” a physician who specializes in treating blood disorders. The physician will start by reviewing your symptoms and taking your medical history, including possible exposure to toxins such as benzene and other risk factors, and performing a physical examination. In addition, your doctor may have certain tests performed. These tests may include the following:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A sample of blood is drawn from a vein and analyzed for the following:



• number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets
• amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) (HGB) in the red blood cells
• portion of the sample made up of red blood cells (HCT)
• appearance of blood cells under the microscope


• Blood analysis: Your blood sample may also be examined under a microscope for evidence of “dysplastic” (abnormal) cells. Your blood may also be tested for vitamin deficiencies and abnormal levels of other substances that may mean an abnormality of an organ of the body.



• Bone marrow biopsy: If the results of the blood tests indicate a possibility of MDS, a bone marrow biopsy is typically necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A bone marrow biopsy involves the removal of a tiny piece of bone and bone marrow. The bone and bone marrow samples are usually taken by inserting a hollow needle into the hipbone or breastbone. The samples are then viewed under a microscope to look for abnormal cells.

If these tests reveal visible abnormalities in your red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, MDS may be present. If the bone marrow is found to be full of cells, it is referred to as “hypercellular”. If the bone marrow is found to be lacking in cells, it is called “hypocellular”. If the cells appear malformed, they will be referred to as “dysplastic”. If they appear immature, they are called “blast” cells. If 20% or more of the cells are blast cells, then acute leukemia may be diagnosed.

Types of MDS

If MDS is diagnosed, a hematologist will also examine the cells to determine the subtype of the disorder. The major subtypes of MDS include refractory anemia (RA), refactory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), and refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB). RA and RARS are the most common types of MDS.

This Web site is sponsored by the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. Please understand that the information provided is not medical advice, but is simply offered as a resource to help you learn about myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and benzene. Please discuss your health-related questions and concerns with your doctor.

Benzene can cause myelodysplastic syndrome and other disorders and blood cancers. If you have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and would like information about your legal rights, please call us at 800-946-9646 or e-mail us at

Please also visit our glossary for helpful definitions of medical terms relating to the diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes.