MF usually develops slowly. MF often does not cause early symptoms and may be found during a routine blood test. When fibrosis develops in the bone marrow, the bone marrow is unable to produce enough normal blood cells. The lack of blood cells causes many of the signs and symptoms of MF. These include:
- Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or pale skin due to a low red blood cell count
- Frequent infections due to a low white blood cell count
- Bleeding or bruising easily due to a low platelet count
- Abdominal pain, feeling of fullness, decreased appetite, and weight loss as a result of splenomegaly (an enlarged spleen) or hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
- Night sweats
- Itching skin
- Fever
- Bone or joint pain
- Weight loss
When MF causes symptoms, they can be troublesome. Reducing symptoms is a key goal of treatment. Therefore, it is important to take an active role in monitoring your MF symptoms. Careful tracking of your symptoms can help you and your doctor better understand how to manage and modify your care over time. View LLS's free booklet Myeloproliferative Neoplasms to find a Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form.
Related Links
- Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s free booklets, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.