What to know about myeloproliferative neoplasms

What are myeloproliferative neoplasms?

MPNs are a group of conditionsTrusted Source in which the bone marrow overproduces one or more of the following components of blood:

• red blood cells, which comprise most of the blood and primarily carry oxygen and carbon dioxide around the body
• white blood cells, which help protect the body from infections and injuries
• platelets, which clump together to control bleeding

The overproduction of any of these blood components results from mutations in stem cells, leading to atypical cell growth and function.

There are six main typesTrusted Source of chronic MPNs, each with unique features and symptoms.

Polycythemia vera

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), polycythemia vera involves an overproduction of red blood cells, which can make the blood thicker than usual. This condition may also involveTrusted Source increased white blood cells and platelets.

Symptoms may include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• a sensation of pressure or fullness below the ribs on the left side, which may indicate an enlarged spleen
• itchiness, particularly after a warm bath or shower
• visual disturbances, such as double vision
• weakness
• redness or other skin color changes on the face, which may appear similar to sunburn or blushing
• unexplained weight loss

Complications can include blood clots leading to stroke or heart attacks.

Essential thrombocythemia

Essential thrombocythemia involves too many plateletsTrusted Source in the bone marrow without a clear cause. High platelet levels can lead to atypical clotting or bleeding.

The condition can occur without symptoms. However, it can cause symptoms that may include:

• headaches
• burning or tingling in the hands or feet
• visual or hearing problems
• warmth in the hands or feet

This condition also increases the risk of serious blood clotting problems, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Primary myelofibrosis

Primary myelofibrosis involves a buildup of scar tissue in the bone marrow. The increase in fibrous tissue causes a reductionTrusted Source in healthy blood cell production. According to the LLS, doctors refer to myelofibrosis as primary when it occurs on its own. Other types of MPN can also transform into myelofibrosis.

Symptoms of primary myelofibrosis include:

• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• pain below the left ribs
• petechiae
• bleeding or bruising easily
• fever
• night sweats
• feeling full sooner than usual while eating
• unintentional weight loss

Chronic myelogenous leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia results from a genetic mutation, causing uncontrolled growthTrusted Source of white blood cells in the bone marrow. It progresses slowly, typically from middle age.

Symptoms of the condition can include:

• fever
• fatigue
• unexplained weight loss
• night sweats
• pain below the left ribs

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia is a condition in whichTrusted Source too many stem cells in the bone marrow become neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

According to the LLS, symptoms may not be present in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• bone pain
• unintentional weight loss
• night sweats
• easy bruising
• enlarged liver or spleen

Chronic eosinophilic leukemia

Chronic eosinophilic leukemia involves an overproductionTrusted Source of eosinophils, another type of white blood cell. This condition causes symptoms such as:

• coughing
• swelling around the face, throat, and extremities
• fever
• fatigue
• itching
• diarrhea
• muscle pain

Diagnosing myeloproliferative neoplasms

Doctors will typically use several techniquesTrusted Source to diagnose MNPs, including:

• reviewing a person’s medical history and conducting a physical examination
• using blood tests, such as a complete blood count, to examine levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• ordering a bone marrow biopsy to check for atypical cells or scar tissue
• using chromosome and molecular testing to check for genetic abnormalities that can cause MNPs

Early detection through these tests is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Treating myeloproliferative neoplasms

There are many types of treatmentTrusted Source for MNPs. Doctors will determine appropriate treatment according to several factors, including the type of MPN, a person’s age and overall health, and the disease severity.

A healthcare professional could recommend any of the following:

• watchful waiting, which involves a doctor monitoring a person’s condition for changes that may indicate treatment is necessary
• transfusion therapy
• phlebotomy
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapy
• stem cell transplant
• immunotherapy
• radiation therapy
• surgery
• platelet apheresis, which involves separating the platelets from the rest of the blood

In some cases, a person may be eligible to join a clinical trial for MPN treatments that are in development.

Outlook for myeloproliferative neoplasms

The outlook for MPNs varies widely and depends on a range of factors.

People with MPNs can also experience complications that may worsen their outlook. For example, people with essential thrombocythemia may also develop deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or a heart attack.

Other factors that may influenceTrusted Source someone’s outlook include:

• their age
• their overall health
• the type of MPN they have
• the amount of white blood cells in the blood or bone marrow
• response to treatment

Summary

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of conditions that affect cells in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of certain components in the blood. Several types of MNPs exist, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The treatment a doctor recommends for someone with an MPN can depend on the type. Each type has a slightly different rate of progression and mechanism of action.