20 q deletion

[mike b.]

I've had MDS that I've known for about 7 years and am in the watch and wait mode. I have been following with a Great team of Doctors and Nurses at Moffitt who monitor my bloodwork monthly and watch my Platelets rise and fall but lately not to any great extent. My question is this ... What is 20 q deletion ? and could it be explained to me a non medical person so I can understand.

[DanL]

This is a great question and I will try to simplify the answer.

Humans have 23 sets of chromosomes for a total of 46. The first 22 pairs are autosomes, and are responsible for passing on the majority of your hereditary genetic traits. The last pair determines your sex and characteristics associated with it. Chromosomes contain DNA, Genes, and proteins that regulate the functions of your body. When you have a 20q deletion, part of the 20th chromosome disappears. Chromosomal abnormalities are very common in MDS. Some are considered to be favorable, some negative. If 20q is found with no other chromosomal abnormalities, it tends to have a milder clinical course than many other abnormalities.

[mike b.]

Thanks Dan for explaining that to me in a way that I could understand. I feel truly blessed that this forum exists so I can get answers on many of the problems that I have and that I'm not alone ! It 's unfortunate that we all have this disease but I really draw from all of your stories and thoughts , Thank You !