Diagnosis

A physical exam, medical history and tests might be used if your doctor suspects that you have a myelodysplastic syndrome.

Tests might include:

• Blood tests. Your doctor might order blood tests to determine the number of red cells, white cells and platelets and look for unusual changes in the size, shape and appearance of various blood cells.
• Removing bone marrow for testing. During a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, a thin needle is used to withdraw (aspirate) a small amount of liquid bone marrow, usually from a spot on the back of your hipbone. Then a small piece of bone with its marrow is removed (biopsy).

Blood and bone marrow samples are sent for laboratory analysis. Specialized tests can determine the specific characteristics of your cells that will be helpful for determining the type of myelodysplastic syndrome you have, your prognosis and your treatment options.