Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may include any of the following:

• Headache, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, paleness, and fatigue. These result from anemia.
• Susceptibility to infections, especially in the lungs, throat, sinuses, and skin, as well as mouth or ear infections or periodontal disease. These result from neutropenia, which is a shortage of a specific type of white blood cell called a neutrophil.
• Bruising, nosebleeds, and pinpoint red spots or rashes on the skin. These result from thrombocytopenia, which is a shortage of blood platelets.