What is Myelofibrosis?
Myelofibrosis is a form of leukemia affecting bone marrow, and is most common in people over the age of 50. The condition gradually changes bone marrow tissue into scar tissue, thus inhibiting the bone marrow’s ability to create new blood cells.
As a result of myelofibrosis, other organs in the body, particularly the spleen and liver, may become enlarged in an attempt to provide the body with the necessary blood cells. In some cases, the spleen becomes so enlarged it is necessary to remove it, so that the patient experiences less pain.
Often, myelofibrosis is not treated because the only treatment available is bone marrow transplant. Since this involves a fairly difficult procedure and chemotherapy afterwards, those significantly over 50 are considered at poor risk for surviving treatment for myelofibrosis. The condition may progress very slowly in the elderly, and many live for years with the condition, though the average survival rate after diagnosis is five years.
On rare occasions, children develop myelofibrosis, and in these cases, bone marrow transplant is the preferred treatment as it may stop the course of the illness and extend life. Even with bone marrow transplant, the outlook for myelofibrosis is not favorable. The disease may recur, requiring another transplant.
Symptoms of myelofibrosis include low platelet count, anemia, and an enlarged spleen. Those effected may also feel uncomfortable fullness or pressure in the stomach, note more significant bleeding or bruising after slight injuries, exhibit paleness, feel fatigued, and get sick more easily and more often.
A complete blood count test and a physical examination of the spleen usually can make physicians suspect myelofibrosis. They may confirm their suspicions by sampling bone marrow to evaluate its quality.
In some patients the condition may result in only minor symptoms, but in general, the final stages of myelofibrosis are painful and difficult. Patients may spend a long time in the end stages of myelofibrosis and this time can be both difficult for them and their families.
Conditions like myelofibrosis, where the cure is not much better than the illness itself, deserve the attention of medical research. These diseases often rob the sufferer of the ability to die with dignity. Instead death may be a prolonged and painful period.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
