Myeloproliferative Neoplasms are a group of rare blood cancers in which the bone marrow makes too many blood cells—red cells, white cells, or platelets. These conditions arise due to genetic mutations in stem cells, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Over time, MPNs can lead to blood thickening, clotting, bleeding problems, and in some cases, transformation into acute leukemia.

Types Of MPN

• Polycythemia Vera (PV): Overproduction of red blood cells.
• Essential Thrombocythemia (ET): Excess production of platelets.
• Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF): Scar tissue formation in the bone marrow leading to abnormal blood cell production.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Caused by the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL gene fusion).

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue, weakness
• Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision
• Itching (especially after warm baths)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Night sweats, weight loss, bone pain
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

Causes & Risk Factors

• Gene mutations (JAK2, CALR, MPL, BCR-ABL).
• Older age (more common in 50+).
• Sometimes no clear cause.

Diagnosis

• Complete Blood Count (CBC).
• Genetic mutation testing (JAK2, CALR, MPL, BCR-ABL).
• Bone marrow biopsy.
• Imaging for spleen and liver enlargement.