Conditions We Treat

Myelodysplastic syndrome.

A bone marrow disorder causing low blood counts — ranging from mild and slow to more active forms needing treatment.

Overview

What is MDS?

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of conditions in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy, mature blood cells. The developing cells are abnormal (‘dysplastic’) and often die before or soon after entering the blood, which leads to low blood counts — most commonly anaemia.

MDS varies widely. Some forms are mild and slow-moving, needing only monitoring or occasional support, while others are more active and carry a risk of progressing to acute myeloid leukaemia. It becomes more common with age. Careful assessment is needed to work out which type someone has.

Symptoms

How it can present

MDS is often found on a blood test before symptoms develop. Symptoms, when they occur, come from low blood counts:

Tiredness and breathlessness from anaemia (low red cells)
Frequent or persistent infections (low white cells)
Easy bruising or bleeding (low platelets)

Diagnosis

How it's diagnosed

Blood tests

A full blood examination and blood film show the low counts and abnormal cell appearances.

Bone marrow biopsy

Confirms the diagnosis and, with genetic testing, identifies the specific type.

Risk assessment

Results are combined into a risk score that guides how closely to monitor and whether to treat.

Treatment

How it's treated

Treatment is tailored to the type of MDS and your overall health. Lower-risk MDS is often managed with supportive care — such as transfusions or growth factors to boost blood counts — while higher-risk MDS may need disease-modifying medication, and in selected fitter patients a stem cell transplant, which offers the potential for cure.

Connected to leading public hospital care

We are linked with major public hospital haematology services in Melbourne’s west and can expedite access to public hospital treatment where appropriate — so you receive the latest expert care and multidisciplinary input, with access to clinical trials of emerging therapies where suitable. Private management is also available if you prefer a shorter wait or a particular setting.

When to refer

When to see a haematologist

Unexplained low counts

Persistent anaemia (especially with larger-than-normal red cells) or other unexplained cytopenias.

More than one low line

Low counts across red cells, white cells or platelets together.

Confirming the cause

To establish whether MDS or another cause is responsible and plan management.

Common questions

Frequently asked

Is MDS a cancer?

MDS is considered a form of bone marrow cancer, though many lower-risk types are slow-moving and managed with support and monitoring rather than intensive treatment.

Can MDS turn into leukaemia?

Some types of MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukaemia, which is why assessment, risk scoring and monitoring are important. Many people, particularly with lower-risk MDS, never progress.

Do I need a referral?

Yes — a referral from your GP or specialist is needed for Medicare rebates.

Unexplained low blood counts?

Ask your GP for a referral, or contact our rooms to arrange assessment in Footscray.

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem. Please speak with your GP or haematologist about your own circumstances. Last reviewed August 2026.