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Mapping Myelofibrosis
Navigating A Rare Blood Cancer

What is Myelofibrosis?

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Myelofibrosis belongs to a group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs.

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Blood Cancers

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The term myeloproliferative means the body makes too many of one or more types of blood cells, which may cause a variety of symptoms.

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Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

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It can either happen on its own – this is called primary myelofibrosis – or it can develop from a different MPN.

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Primary Myelofibrosis

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That's called secondary myelofibrosis.

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Secondary myelofibrosis
Bone marrow
Scarring
Developed from a different MPN (i.e., polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia)

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Myelofibrosis affects the bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones.

Bone marrow is where many important blood cell types are made.

Red blood cells — deliver oxygen to the body.

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Red Blood Cells

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White blood cells — help fight infections.

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White Blood Cells

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And platelets — help form clots to stop bleeding.

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Platelets

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In people with myelofibrosis, there is inflammation and scarring of the bone marrow, which is called fibrosis. This leads to abnormal production of blood cells.

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Inflammation & Scarring

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That can lead to low red blood cell counts, which is called anemia.

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Anemia

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Anemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness.

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Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Weakness

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Myelofibrosis can also lead to low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia, which can cause a person to bleed or bruise easily or bleed for a long time after getting a cut.

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Thrombocytopenia

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Myelofibrosis can also cause enlargement of the spleen or splenomegaly, which can lead to symptoms like:

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Enlarged Spleen

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Abdominal discomfort, feeling full too quickly, pain under the left ribs

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Abdominal discomfort
Feeling full too quickly
Pain under the left ribs

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Myelofibrosis can cause other symptoms too, like

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Other symptoms

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Abdominal pain

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Abdominal pain

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Difficulty sleeping

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Difficulty sleeping

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Inactivity

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Inactivity

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Itchy skin

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Itchy skin

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Problems with concentration

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Problems with concentration

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Weight loss

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Weight loss

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These are not all of the signs and symptoms that people may experience, as each person experiences myelofibrosis differently. It is important to keep track of any new or worsening symptoms and share those with your healthcare provider.

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Weight loss; Anemia; Abdominal pain; Difficulty sleeping; Inactivity; Enlarged spleen; Itchy skin; Thrombocytopenia; Problems with concentration

NARRATOR:
Myelofibrosis is a chronic disease, which means that it can be managed over time. The symptoms of myelofibrosis can have an impact on a person’s daily life. By taking the time to understand how myelofibrosis affects the body, you may be able to better chart a course to help with disease management, together with a healthcare provider.

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Mapping Myelofibrosis
Navigating A Rare Blood Cancer

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