Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Family History

  • What is the general health status of your family members?
  • Do you have a history of cancer in your family?

Social history

  • What is your occupation? (Gas station attendant, painter, painter, airport attendant).
  • Are you exposed to harmful agents such as benzene or solvents in your job?

Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Have you noticed any changes such as fatigue, pallor?
  • Do you suffer from headaches?
  • Do you feel dizzy?
  • Have you noticed a decreased memory capacity in you?
  • Do you bruise quickly when you bump yourself?
  • Do wounds bleed for a very long time after?
  • Have you had any nosebleeds recently?
  • Have you experienced bleeding gums?
  • Have you noticed any skin changes? (pinhead-sized hemorrhages (skin or mucous membranes)).
  • Do you have a fever or other signs of infection?
  • Do you suffer from shortness of breath due to exertion?
  • Have you noticed any lymph node enlargements? If so, are these painful?
  • How long have these changes been present?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Are you overweight? Give us your body weight (in kg) and height (in cm).
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.