Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are blood cancers that occur when the body makes too many or not enough white or red blood cells, or platelets. To break down the term, “Myelo” refers to cells from the bone marrow. “Proliferative” means there is an over-production. “Neoplasm” is an abnormal growth of cells, in this case, blood cells.

This overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow can create problems for blood flow and lead to various symptoms. MPNs were called myeloproliferative diseases until 2008 when the World Health Organization reclassified them as cancers and renamed them myeloproliferative neoplasms.

There are 3 main types of MPNs:

• Polycythemia vera (PV)
• Essential thrombocythemia (ET) 
• Myelofibrosis (MF)

Certain leukemias, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, are also now considered myeloproliferative neoplasms. Although MPNs can pose health risks, people with these conditions often live for many years after diagnosis. The choice of treatment and how well it works depends largely on the type of MPN, the patient’s age, and any other conditions they may have.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare type of blood cancer. PV occurs when the body makes too many red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen through the body. Too many can cause the blood to become thicker and move more slowly. People with polycythemia vera sometimes have too many white blood cells and platelets as well.

Get Details About Risk Factors, Diagnosis & Treatment for PV

Essential Thrombocythemia

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare type of blood cancer. ET occurs when the body makes too many platelets, the part of the blood needed for clotting. Too many can lead to blood clots or increased bleeding in some cases. Researchers are still trying to understand the causes of ET.

Get Details About Risk factors, Diagnosis & Treatment for ET

Myelofibrosis

With myelofibrosis, scar tissue forms inside the bone marrow. As scar tissue increases, the bone marrow cannot make enough healthy blood cells. Primary myelofibrosis develops on its own. Secondary myelofibrosis can result from another bone marrow disorder (such as polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia). In either case, the body is not able to produce blood cells normally.

Get Details About Risk Factors, Diagnosis & Treatment for MF

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