What is MDS?

MDS stands for myelodysplastic syndrome. In this condition, blood cells become visibly abnormal (dysplastic) when viewed with a microscope. The reason for the abnormal appearance of these cells is that there is a cancerous mutation in the cells. 

MDS is worse than CHIP because now the mutations in the cells are causing the cells to have abnormal behavior. In some cases, the cells multiply uncontrollably, which can lead to AML. High-risk mutations have a stronger likelihood of progression to AML. MDS can be treated with a mild chemotherapy.