Diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes in Poland: Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG) 2021 recommendations

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic cells manifested by ineffective hematopoiesis and a tendency to transform into acute myeloid leukemia. MDS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cytopenia, especially in the elderly. This article presents the recommendations of MDS experts of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG) for the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes. We present current classifications and prognostic indices, as well as diagnostic examinations recommended for MDS: cytological, histopathological, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular tests. The aim of the study is to implement up-to-date knowledge about myelodysplastic syndromes into routine clinical practice, from the diagnosis of cytopenia to the specific diagnosis and prognosis in MDS patients.