MPN

Introduction

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) refers to a group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many of one or more types of blood cells—these include WBCs, RBCs, or platelets.

MPN has no clear causes. But certain factors increase your risk of getting the condition.

  • Old age: Individuals over 60 have a higher chance of developing myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera and primary myelofibrosis
  • Gender: Polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis and chronic myelogenous leukemia are more common in men
  • Women have a higher chance of getting essential thrombocytosis

Individuals with MPN usually experience

  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Shortness of breath during exertion
  • Pale skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Bone pain
  • Night sweats
  • Itching
  • Infections and fever
  • A painful enlarged liver or spleen
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Blood clots

MPNs are usually detected during blood tests. There are a number of tests and tools doctors use to confirm a diagnosis:

  • Physical exam and history
  • Blood tests:
    • A blood smear
    • A complete blood count
  • Bone marrow tests like aspiration and biopsy to see how your bone marrow looks.
  • Cytogenetic testing, which tries to find abnormalities in your cell’s DNA.

Treating MPN will largely depend on the type and severity of the condition. Common treatment methods are:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Gene therapy
  • Stem cell transplant

Patients are our number one priority. We are committed to their health and wellbeing. It is this dedication that guides us to give our very best, and our multidisciplinary team of trained professionals work together to ensure quality care. If you’re showing any symptoms of MPN listed above, consult the team of experts at Haemato Oncology Care Centre (HOCC) without any delay.

Because Blood Count Matters, Count On Us.