AML, NHL, MDS - What does it all mean?

communityreply@lls.org — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:22:42 GMT

It's so much faster to type MDS rather than Myelodysplastic Syndrome (and easier, too, since I still manage to misspell it). At the same time, though, it can be confusing for people not as familiar with what those abbreviations mean - and especially so for people who are new to the blood cancers.

So what can you do to keep yourself or others straight on all the MDSs or NHLs besides carrying around a reference card?

I'd recommend looking at We need a Quick Reference for Abbreviations, a topic initiated on our Discussion Boards by Lynda. You can also visit our search glossary and type in the abbreviation you are interested in learning more about.

Here are a few to get you started:*

AML = Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

ALL = Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

CML = Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

CLL = Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

NHL = Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

MDS = Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Do you have any tips or tricks on how to remember so many abbreviations and their meanings?

*Learn more about leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and other blood cancers in our Disease Information section on our website.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Blog

AML, NHL, MDS - What does it all mean?