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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between MDS and Leukemia?

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Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and leukemia are both blood cancers that affect the bone marrow and the production of blood cells. However, there are some crucial differences between the two:

  1. Blast percentage: MDS is characterized by fewer than 20% immature blood cells, called blast cells, in the bone marrow or blood. In contrast, leukemia, specifically acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is diagnosed when more than 20% of the cells in the bone marrow are blast cells.
  2. Disease progression: AML is an aggressive form of leukemia that typically develops more quickly and severely than MDS. MDS, on the other hand, is generally a slower-progressing disease.
  3. Symptoms: MDS often presents with symptoms such as fever, frequent infections, easy bruising and bleeding, fatigue, and shortness of breath. AML may have similar symptoms but tends to have a more rapid onset and progression.
  4. Treatment: The treatment for MDS and AML can be different. MDS is often treated with milder treatments, such as chemotherapy, to help slow or prevent the disease from worsening. AML, due to its aggressive nature, typically requires more intensive treatments.
  5. Progression to leukemia: About 25% to 30% of people with MDS will develop acute myeloid leukemia. MDS is considered a precursor to AML.
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  • What is the Difference Between MDS and Leukemia?
  • Comparative Table: MDS vs Leukemia

    • Comparative Table: MDS vs Leukemia

    Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and leukemia are both blood disorders, but they have distinct differences in their characteristics and prognosis. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Feature MDS Leukemia
    Definition MDS are a group of malignant stem-cell diseases, usually diagnosed in elderly patients, with varying prognosis and course of the disease. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells, affecting the white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, and progressing rapidly without treatment.
    Subtypes MDS has various subtypes, including refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, and myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts. Leukemia is classified into different types, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
    Progression MDS can develop into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 20% to 25% of cases. Leukemia is a more aggressive and rapidly progressing disease compared to MDS.
    Symptoms MDS often presents with mild to no symptoms initially, and the disease course varies greatly from patient to patient. Leukemia typically causes more severe and rapid symptoms.
    Diagnosis Diagnosis of MDS is based on specific factors such as MDS subtype, number and severity of cytopenias (low blood cell counts), percentage of blast cells in the bone marrow, and type and number of chromosome changes. Diagnosis of leukemia involves the presence of malignant white blood cells in the bone marrow or blood.
    Treatment Treatment for MDS depends on the risk group and may include less intensive treatment for lower-risk MDS or more intensive treatment for higher-risk MDS. Treatment for leukemia usually involves more aggressive therapies, such as chemotherapy, as the disease progresses rapidly without treatment.

    It is essential to note that the prognosis and treatment options for both MDS and leukemia can vary significantly depending on the specific subtype and risk group.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.