Exploring the Signs & Symptoms of Myelofibrosis
Each person experiences myelofibrosis (MF) differently, with varying symptoms and paths to diagnosis. In early stages, approximately one-third of people impacted by MF do not have symptoms of the disease.
Select a symptom below to learn more.
These are not all of the myelofibrosis signs and symptoms that people may experience. It is important to keep track of any new or worsening symptoms, and share those with your healthcare provider.
Anemia
Having a low red blood cell count is called anemia. Your doctor may call it low hemoglobin. About 60% of patients are anemic within a year of their diagnosis of myelofibrosis, and 46% require blood transfusions. Nearly all individuals with myelofibrosis may develop anemia over the course of the disease.
Anemia can cause symptoms like:
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
Enlarged Spleen
The spleen works like a filter for your blood. Having MF can cause your spleen to become enlarged, which is known as splenomegaly. Splenomegaly is found in more than 80% of people at the time of myelofibrosis diagnosis.
Splenomegaly can cause symptoms like:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Feeling full too quickly
- Pain under the left ribs
- Pain in upper left shoulder
Low Platelet Count
Platelets are important to help your blood clot. Having a low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. About 28% of patients experience thrombocytopenia within a year of diagnosis.
Thrombocytopenia can cause symptoms like:
- Bleeding easily
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding for a long time when cut
Other Myelofibrosis Symptoms
MF can cause different symptoms because it affects the body in many ways.
Other symptoms of MF may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Inactivity
- Itchy skin (common in PV)
- Problems with concentration
- Weight loss
No matter what symptoms you experience, they can have a significant impact on your daily life. Understanding your myelofibrosis symptoms is one way to chart your course with the disease while working with your healthcare provider.
Understanding Myelofibrosis
