Myeloproliferative disorders is the name for a group of conditions that cause blood cells -- platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells -- to grow abnormally in the bone marrow. Though myeloproliferative disorders are serious, and may pose certain health risks, people with these conditions often live for many years after diagnosis. The prognosis largely depends on the type of disorder.
Myeloproliferative disorders include:
Many people with myeloproliferative disorders have no symptoms at all when their doctors first make the diagnosis. One symptom shared by all myeloproliferative disorders (with the exception of essential thrombocytosis) is an enlarged spleen, which can cause abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness.
Some signs and symptoms of the different types of myeloproliferative disorders include:
Polycythemia vera
Essential thrombocytosis
Primary myelofibrosis
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
All myeloproliferative disorders are caused by overproduction of one or more types of cells. No one knows what triggers the overproduction of cells, but theories include:
These factors may increase your risk for developing a myeloproliferative disorder:
Polycythemia vera
Essential thrombocytosis
Primary myelofibrosis
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
A sign shared by all myeloproliferative disorders (with the exception of essential thrombocytosis) is an enlarged spleen, which can be detected during a routine physical examination. In addition to performing a physical exam, the doctor may also conduct the following tests:
There is no cure for most myeloproliferative disorders. There are, however, several treatments that help improve symptoms and prevent complications associated with the conditions.
The treatment for each type of myeloproliferative disorder is slightly different:
A person's diagnosis and symptoms will determine the type of medication prescribed. Some possible medications include:
Polycythemia vera
Essential Thrombocytosis
Primary myelofibrosis
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
In the case of primary myelofibrosis, CML, and late stage polycythemia vera, blood cells are produced in sites other than the bone marrow, such as the liver and spleen, causing these organs to enlarge. When enlargement of the spleen becomes painful, a surgeon may perform a splenectomy to remove the spleen.
In very serious cases of primary myelofibrosis, surgeons may replace the abnormal stem cells (cells that manufacture blood cells) in the bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Called a stem cell transplant, this procedure carries a high degree of risk. A bone marrow transplant is often considered for most individuals with CML. After either type of transplant, the healthy bone marrow cells begin to grow and produce healthy blood cells.
Phlebotomy (removing some blood from the body) may decrease the risk of stroke in individuals with polycythemia vera. For people with anemia, blood transfusions may be needed.
A treatment plan for myeloproliferative disorders may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Ask your team of health care providers about the best ways to incorporate these therapies into your overall treatment plan. Always tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, as some supplements may interfere with conventional cancer treatments.
These nutritional tips are for general health and may help to keep your body strong while coping with a myeloproliferative disorder:
Ask your doctor if you would benefit from the following supplements:
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.
No herbs have been studied specifically for myeloproliferative disorders, but the following herbs may help your general health:
Pregnant women should avoid the drug hydroxyurea (used to treat myeloproliferative disorders) because it may pose a risk to a developing fetus.
Myeloproliferative disorders are slow acting, and don't always cause life-threatening symptoms. The complications of these conditions, however, may be serious. Some complications include:
The survival rate for myeloproliferative disorders varies, depending on both the type of disorder and the kind of symptoms each person experiences. Very serious cases, such as primary myelofibrosis, may be fatal within 3 - 6 years. Individuals with CML have a median survival rate of 4 - 5 years after diagnosis. If CML transforms into acute leukemia, however, the median survival rate is only 3 months. Those with other types of myeloproliferative disorders can live much longer, especially if they are diagnosed early. People with primary thrombocythemia can have a near normal life expectancy with only a low risk of developing cancer. Polycythemia vera has a survival rate of 10 - 20 years, with the longest survival occurring in the younger age groups.
Bone marrow disorders; Chronic myelogenous leukemia; Myelofibrosis; Polycythemia vera; Thrombocytosis
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