Myelofibrosis is a bone marrow disease that interrupts normal blood cell production in a person’s body. There is dramatic scarring of the bone marrow which leads to other conditions such as serious anemia issues like weakness, chronic lack of energy or fatigue. The condition also often produces enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Myelofibrosis is commonly referred to as agnogenic myeloid metaplasia and can manifest at any age, although it occurs more in people as they reach their late 40’s.
Most patients who develop myelofibrosis worsen over time and eventually get a more severe diagnosis of leukemia. However it is also possible for someone with myelofibrosis to live for years without any symptoms.
Treatment for myelofibrosis is mainly focused on relieving the conditions that are caused by the disease and thus can involve several different treatment plans.
Diagnosing myelofibrosis is usually based on the symptoms that one develops. A biopsy may be ordered which involves a small sample of bone marrow being removed. The bone marrow is then analyzed to exclude any other problems or diseases.
There are no known medications that cure myelofibrosis. However, many medications can help with the symptoms of the disease. Bone marrow transplants may potentially cure the disease in some cases however the side effects of a bone marrow transplant make it to risky for many patients who have the disease.
Myelofibrosis is a form of cancer that develops in the bone marrow. Older patients who suffer from the disease, develop the enlarged liver and spleen when the bone marrow stops producing the necessary blood cells for the organs and the liver and spleen try to take over blood production.
If you have chronic fatigue problems and have had a complete blood workup that has come back with bad results, you should speak to your doctor about testing you for any blood conditions such as myelofibrosis that may be causing your bone marrow from proper blood cell production.
Although there is no specific treatment for the disease, anemic patients are usually given blood transfusions to combat the condition. Androgens such as testosterone may help reduce the transfusion need however they are not handled well by female patients.
A splenectomy may be indicated for enlargement of the spleen that causes episodes of severe pain or in some cases it may be necessary because of an extremely high red blood cell transfusion need.
Final stages of myelofibrosis disease in many cases is characterized by liver failure and bleeding.
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