The main types of MDS

The main types of myelodysplasia are:

  • refractory anaemia just the red blood cells are affected
  • refractory cytopenia the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are affected
  • refractory anaemiawith excess blasts (RAEB) the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are affected, and there's a higher risk of developing Leukaemia, acute myeloid

"Refractory" means the condition doesn't respond to treatment that doctors would normally use for low blood cell counts.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018