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Primary Myelofibrosis
Alternate Names : Agnogenic Myeloid Metaplasia, Idiopathic Myelofibrosis, Myelofibrosis, Myeloid Metaplasia
Definition Primary myelofibrosis is a disorder of the bone marrow in which the marrow is replaced by fibrous (scar) tissue.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
In primary myelofibrosis, a progressive scarring (fibrosis) of the bone marrow occurs. This causes blood formation to take place in sites other than the bone marrow, such as the liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. The cause is unknown.
The disorder usually develops slowly, in people over 50 years old. It leads to progressive bone marrow failure with severe anemia. Low platelet count leads to easy bleeding, and spleen enlargement continues. The disease gets progressively worse in most cases. Risk factors are unknown.
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• Definition
• Primary Myelofibrosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Primary Myelofibrosis Symptoms & Signs
• Primary Myelofibrosis Prevention
• Primary Myelofibrosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Primary Myelofibrosis Treatment
• Primary Myelofibrosis Prognosis
• Primary Myelofibrosis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) - Adult
• Anemia
Tests & Exams
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• CBC
• Erythropoietin
• Platelet Count
• RBC Count
• WBC Count
Surgery & Procedures
• Spleen Removal
Other Topics
• Bleeding Into the Skin
• Bone Pain or Tenderness
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chemotherapy
• Gas/Flatus - Excessive
• Hepatomegaly
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Paleness
• Splenomegaly
Review Date : 7/31/2003
Reviewed By : Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C., Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor of Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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