The best magazine
It is possible that the main title of the report Primary Myelofibrosis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
- IM
- PMF
- agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM)
- chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF)
- myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia
- idiopathic myelofibrosis
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Summary
Primary myelofibrosis is a rare bone marrow disorder that is characterized by abnormalities in blood cell production (hematopoiesis) and scarring (formation of fibrous tissue) within the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue that fills the center of most bones. Bone marrow contains specialized cells called hematopoietic stem cells that grow and eventually develop into one of the three main types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. In primary myelofibrosis, a change in the DNA of a single hematopoietic stem cell causes the abnormal cell to continually reproduce itself. Eventually, these abnormal cells crowd out normal, healthy cells in the marrow and, along with scarring within the marrow, disrupt the production of red and white blood cells and platelets.
The symptoms associated with primary myelofibrosis vary and are related to the abnormalities affecting blood cell production. Affected individuals may not have symptoms at the time of diagnosis (asymptomatic) may remain symptom-free for many years. Eventually, affected individuals may develop fatigue, fever, frequent infections, pale skin, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. An enlarged (spleen) is a common finding. An enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) may also occur.
In approximately 50 percent of cases, a mutation of the JAK2 gene has been detected. The exact role this abnormal gene plays in the development of the disorder is unknown.
Introduction
Primary myelofibrosis belongs to a group of diseases known as the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). This group of disorders is characterized by the overproduction (proliferation) of one or more of the three main blood cell lines - red or white blood cells or platelets. Three other disorders are commonly classified as MPNs: chronic myeloid leukemia, essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. Myelofibrosis may occur as a secondary characteristic of polycythemia vera or essential thrombocytyemia. Because the MPNs are characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, they may also be classified as blood cancers.
Resources
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue
Suite 310
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel: (914)949-5213
Fax: (914)949-6691
Tel: (800)955-4572
Email: infocenter@LLS.org
Internet: http://www.LLS.org
American Cancer Society, Inc.
250 Williams NW St
Ste 6000
Atlanta, GA 30303
USA
Tel: (404)320-3333
Tel: (800)227-2345
TDD: (866)228-4327
Internet: http://www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Blvd Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
USA
Tel: (301)435-3848
Tel: (800)422-6237
TDD: (800)332-8615
Email: cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.cancer.gov
Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research
Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center
9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Tel: (414)805-0700
Fax: (414)805-0714
Email: contactus@cibmtr.org
Internet: http://www.cibmtr.org/
National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
20411 W. 12 Mile Rd
Suite 108
Southfield, MI 48076
Tel: (248)358-1886
Fax: (248)358-1889
Tel: (800)546-5268
Email: info@nbmtlink.org
Internet: http://www.nbmtlink.org
Italian Registry of Myelofibrosis with Myeloid Metaplasia
Laboratoria Di Informatica Medica
IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo
Viale Golgi 19
Pavia, 27100
Italy
Tel: 800279656
Fax: 0382503393
Email: marchettim@smatteo.pv.it
Internet: http://www.myelofibrosis.net
Rare Cancer Alliance
1649 North Pacana Way
Green Valley, AZ 85614
USA
Internet: http://www.rare-cancer.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
CMPD Education Foundation
P.O. Box 4758
Scottsdale, AZ 85261
Email: ian.sweet@homemail.com.au
Internet: http://www.mpdinfo.org/CMPD_foundation.html
Myeloproliferative Disease Support and Daily Email Digest
2011 Flagler Ave.
Key West, FL 33040
USA
Tel: (305)295-4444
Email: roberttollen@gmail.com
Internet: http://www.mpdsupport.org/
MPN Research Foundation
180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1870
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: (312)683-7249
Fax: (312)332-0840
Email: mwoerhle@MPNResearchFoundation.org
Internet: http://www.mpnresearchfoundation.org
Source: ...