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The Curious Bag
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Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases characterized by bone marrow that does not produce a sufficient number of red blood cells. Some forms of MDS show signs of chromosome changes that include an alteration called a 5q deletion.
The Facts
According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, doctors looking for signs of MDS examine the cells of the bone marrow to look for harmful changes. One hallmark of MDS is cytogenic abnormality, or unusual change in the DNA-containing chromosomes inside these cells.
5q Deletion
5q deletions occur when cytogenic changes cause the deletion of the q-arm on the number five chromosome of a bone marrow cell.
Additional Chromosome Alterations
Additional chromosome alterations caused by cytogenic change include 7q deletions and 20q deletions.
Factors in MDS Development
The National Cancer Institute cites factors in the development of MDS that include age, ethnicity, gender, prior treatment with radiation or chemotherapy and exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, tobacco smoke or certain chemical solvents.
Considerations
In some cases, MDS-related changes can completely erase the number five or number seven chromosome.
Source:
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Myelodysplastic Syndromes
National Cancer Institute: General Information About Myelodysplastic Syndromes
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