Myelofibrosis is most common in people over age 50. It develops slowly and doesn’t cause symptoms at first.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and order blood tests to diagnose myelofibrosis. A bone marrow biopsy is also usually needed.
Most people with primary myelofibrosis have an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). An enlarged spleen can put pressure on the stomach causing indigestion and loss of appetite.
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Fever is a common symptom of myelofibrosis. Fever is an elevation in the body’s normal “set-point” temperature, which is regulated by the hypothalamus. It occurs when a disease or infection triggers inflammation, triggering the release of immunological mediators that cause the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus to increase the set point.
In idiopathic myelofibrosis, the bone marrow (the site in which blood cells are produced) is often damaged, so it can’t produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This can cause you to feel tired and weak.
Often, people with idiopathic myelofibrosis have an enlarged spleen, called splenomegaly. An enlarged spleen can put pressure on your abdomen, causing pain and fullness. Some people also have an enlarged liver, which is called hepatomegaly.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and take blood tests to check your condition. The blood tests will show abnormally low levels of red blood cells and white blood cells, which can lead to anemia. The test results will also indicate whether your spleen and liver are enlarged.
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Abdominal pain, discomfort in the area between your chest and pelvis, can be caused by many things. It may be something as simple as trapped gas, or it could be an infection or a menstrual cramp. It’s possible that your doctor will be able to identify the cause of the pain right away, and it may be as easy as giving you some medication or advice to help.
Sometimes, however, your pain can be more serious than that. Severe or long-lasting abdominal pain may be a sign of a heart attack. If you have severe abdominal pain, and it is made worse by exercise or coughing, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Your healthcare provider will start by asking you questions about your pain. They will try to pinpoint where you’re feeling it and whether it is constant, or if it comes and goes. They may also ask if the pain gets worse or better when you do certain things, like eat or exercise. They will also press on your abdomen to check for swelling and tenderness.
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Many people with idiopathic myelofibrosis don’t have any symptoms when they are first diagnosed and may be found out about their condition by chance, through a routine blood test for another health issue. In this situation, your doctor will probably monitor you closely through regular checkups and exams to see if the disease is progressing and to look for any other signs and symptoms of myelofibrosis.
In some cases, if the disease gets worse, it can affect the healthy cells that produce red blood cells, platelets and other healthy blood components. This can lead to abnormal bruising and bleeding, such as prolonged nosebleeds or heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
When the normal production of blood cells in your bone marrow (hematopoiesis) is disrupted, other organs like your liver and spleen will try to compensate by producing new blood cells. This can cause an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) or pain or fullness in the abdomen that is related to a swollen liver (hepatomegaly). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your hematologist/oncologist. They will be able to help you understand the underlying condition and find a treatment that’s right for you.
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Breathing is usually automatic, but if you have difficulty breathing when walking or climbing stairs, it’s important to see a doctor. It can be a sign of serious illness and should not be ignored.
The blood disorders associated with idiopathic myelofibrosis often cause low ranges of red blood cells, abnormal white blood cells and immature platelets, which can contribute to the shortness of breath that some people experience. In addition, almost all patients with primary myelofibrosis have an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and this can also lead to the discomfort, pain or fullness in the upper left side of the abdomen that’s sometimes seen.
When you visit your doctor about breathing difficulties, he or she will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. They will check your lungs, heart and blood for signs of disease and will likely do a complete blood count and a bone marrow biopsy to diagnose the condition. These tests will help your provider determine the type and severity of your fibrosis. They may prescribe medications to treat the disorder, reduce anemia and help you breathe easier.
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Jaundice is a yellowish tint to the skin and whites of the eyes. It happens when your body builds up too much of a compound called bilirubin, which forms when your liver breaks down old red blood cells. The bilirubin should flow into your intestines and be eliminated in your stool, but when your liver doesn’t work properly, a condition called biliary atresia, you might have a hard time eliminating it, and your stools will become pale.
Doctors diagnose myelofibrosis by taking a person’s medical history and doing a physical exam, which includes checking lymph nodes, spleen and abdomen. They may also order blood tests to check for abnormally low levels of red blood cells (anemia) and high levels of white blood cells or platelets.
In many people, myelofibrosis is mild and doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, in other patients, the disease can lead to severe anemia and enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) because your bone marrow can’t produce enough healthy blood cells to meet your needs. These complications can cause tiredness, fever, weight loss, bone pain and a feeling of general malaise. Symptoms can get worse as the disease progresses.