Myelofibrosis: The Basics
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a group of cancers that affect your bone marrow. In these cancers, the marrow is replaced by scar tissue. This makes it hard for your body to make healthy blood cells. It is a type of chronic leukemia.
Risks
Risks for MF are:
- Age. Most people are over age 50 when diagnosed.
- Having been around chemicals like benzene, toluene, and radiation.
- A genetic mutation (change) in your bone marrow.
Screening
There are no screening tests for myelofibrosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Myelofibrosis
Signs or symptoms of myelofibrosis are due to low blood cell count(s). These can be:
- Low red blood cell count. This can make you tired, pale, feel short of breath, have chest pain, and dizziness.
- Weight loss.
- Low-grade fevers.
- Night sweats.
- Itching.
- Your spleen and/or liver is larger than normal.
Diagnosis of Myelofibrosis
Your provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. Blood tests like a complete blood count and peripheral blood smear will be done to check your blood counts. Molecular testing and a bone marrow biopsy will also be done.
Treatment
The goal of treating myelofibrosis is to lessen the symptoms of low blood cell counts, not to cure it. This is called supportive care. Treatment is also used to help keep the disease from becoming a more aggressive type of leukemia. Treatments may be:
- Targeted therapies.
- Supportive care medicines, like erythropoietin, hydroxyurea, androgen therapy (oxymetholone, danazol), and bisphosphonates (Aredia, Zometa).
- Having your spleen removed.
- Stem cell transplant.
This article is a basic guide to myelofibrosis. You can learn more about myelofibrosis at the link below: