Causes and symptoms of myelofibrosis

Though the progress in medical science over the years has eradicated major diseases from the face of the earth, there are certain health conditions that are yet to be completely treated. One such ailment that is invincible till date and continues to claim lives is cancer. Cancer can affect any part of the body and is only treatable when it is diagnosed in its earlier stages. One such form of cancer that affects the bone marrow is called myelofibrosis.

Myelofibrosis is that type of bone marrow cancer that affects the body’s ability to produce blood cells. In fact, myelofibrosis is a part of a group of conditions called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which cause the bone marrow to stop developing and functioning the way it should. This causes fibrous scar tissue. This form of cancer can be primary (occurs on its own) or secondary (occurs due to some other condition that affects the bone marrow). Moreover, the other MPNs can progress and gradually turn into myelofibrosis over a period of time.

Causes of myelofibrosis
This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the blood stem cells. It affects the blood stem cells’ ability to replicate and divide into the multiple specialized cells that make up the blood. This includes the red blood cells, white blood cells, and the platelets. Though myelofibrosis is caused by a genetic mutation of the blood stem cells, what causes this genetic mutation remains unknown. So, when these mutated blood cells divide and replicate, they pass this mutation to the new cells as well. When more and more mutated cells are created, it has serious effects on blood production. This ultimately results in the lack of red blood cells which cause anemia. It also results in the overproduction of white blood cells with varying levels of platelets.

Myelofibrosis causes the usual spongy bone marrow to become scarred. Though the exact cause of genetic mutation remains unknown, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing myelofibrosis. They are as follows:

• Though myelofibrosis can affect anyone, it is usually diagnosed in people older than 50.
• At times, people who have essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera are at a risk of developing myelofibrosis.
• People who are exposed to industrial chemicals like toluene and benzene can develop myelofibrosis.
• Also, exposure to high levels of radiation can increase the risk of developing myelofibrosis.

Symptoms of myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a condition that progresses slowly, which is why the symptoms aren’t evident right away. However, when the condition starts progressing and begins interfering with blood cell production, the symptoms will start surfacing. The major symptoms of myelofibrosis are as follows:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Night Sweats
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Bone pain
• Fever
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Bleeding gums
• Nosebleeds
• Sudden pain or fullness on the left side, below the ribs

Myelofibrosis can be treated when it is diagnosed in the initial stages, but this condition is often accompanied by certain complications like increased pressure of blood flowing into the liver, enlarged spleen that causes pain, painful bones and joints, and acute leukemia. So, the treatment has to focus on relieving these complications as well.