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Myelodysplasia Specialist

Wellness Oncology & Hematology

Oncologists & Hematologists located in West Hills, CA & Tarzana, CA

Myelodysplasia and other blood disorders can make you feel frequently tired and unable to keep up with your life. At Wellness Oncology & Hematology, with offices in Tarzana and West Hills, California, the experienced team of hematologists is skilled in diagnosing and treating myelodysplasia and other blood disorders. You can expect concierge-style care, a treatment plan customized to your needs, and a caring medical team that consistently monitors your overall health and quality of life. Learn more about myelodysplasia and your options for treatment by calling the office nearest you today or by scheduling a consultation online now.

Myelodysplasia Q & A

What is myelodysplasia?

Myelodysplasia describes a group of blood disorders that result from genetic abnormalities and lead to dysfunction in the blood cells found in your bone marrow. Due to issues in the spongy material of your bone marrow where blood cells are made, the cells can’t form properly or don’t work efficiently.

In healthy bone marrow, new blood cells continually develop and mature over time. When you have myelodysplasia, blood cells die off before they can mature, which leads to a variety of health issues, including:

  • Anemia
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Frequent infections

The cause of myelodysplasia might relate to exposure to toxic chemicals or cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. You can also develop myelodysplasia for no known specific reason, especially after age 60.

What are the symptoms of myelodysplasia?

In the earliest stages, myelodysplasia might not cause any symptoms. As the condition progresses, you can experience issues like:

  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Frequent infections
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Red spots under the surface of your skin

To confirm your symptoms relate to myelodysplasia, your Wellness Oncology & Hematology doctor requests on-site blood testing. In some cases, bone marrow testing is also necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

What treatments are available for myelodysplasia?

The goals of treating myelodysplasia focus on slowing down the progression of the disease and helping you manage the symptoms you’re having. Initially, your Wellness Oncology & Hematology doctor will take a wait-and-see approach, frequently monitoring your condition through bloodwork.

If symptoms become more serious, you might need to take medications to stimulate the production of more blood cells or help cells mature. Antibiotics might also be necessary if you develop frequent infections due to your condition.

If your myelodysplasia is advanced, your Wellness Oncology & Hematology provider could recommend a blood transfusion to replace blood cells or a bone marrow transplant to replace abnormal cells with healthy ones.

Your doctor also works with you on lifestyle and dietary changes that can reduce your chronic fatigue and help you stay more active.

Learn more about your options for treating myelodysplasia by calling the office nearest you today or book an appointment online now.