Myelodysplasia (MDS) is a bone marrow syndrome characterized by the presence of unhealthy (dysplastic) stem cells that displace the healthy ones, disrupting their ability to mature and develop properly. These healthy stem cells are responsible for generating essential components like red blood cells (which transport oxygen), white blood cells (crucial for fighting infections), and platelets (important for clotting). However, the unhealthy cells can suppress the function of the healthy ones, leading to various dysfunctions.
