- Myelofibrosis is one of the rarest and most uncommon types of blood cancer out there.
- The first symptoms are tiredness or fatigue, pain or a feeling of discomfort or pain below the ribs on the left side as a result of an enlarged spleen, pale skin, excessive night sweats, fever, bleeding or bruising, frequent infections, decreased weight gain and bone or joint pain.
- The average survival in diagnosed patients depends on how advanced the disease is but varies between 3.5 and 5.5 years.
Tumors have existed for thousands of years, although it has been in recent decades that they have become a public health problem. They are causing more and more cases and deaths around the world and the trend seems to have no end. But while some types of cancer are well known, there are also others that are not talked about enough. That is why it was created first Mexican medical guide to care for patients with myelofibrosisone of the rarest types out there.
To begin with, an investigation identified a young man who lived in Egypt 3,200 years ago and had cancer. So far it is the oldest that has been detected in people. While in animals there are previous indications of beings with various types of tumors.
Now, there are different factors that have led to the drastic increase in the number of cases that occur throughout the world. On the one hand, the increase in life expectancy exposes older adults. Although another aspect of great relevance is the change in the style of millions of people.
The wrong diet, lack of physical activity and addictions such as smoking increase the risk of cancer and a large number of other diseases.
On the other hand, within the tumors there is one that is very little known and that is the myelofibrosis. It is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by an enlarged spleen and progressive anemia.
Why is it generated?
In this case, the bone marrow produces too many abnormal white blood cells and platelets at first; however, as the disease progresses, blood cells begin to decrease as bone marrow fibrosis increases.
The average survival in diagnosed patients depends on how advanced the disease is. It is currently between 3.5 to 5.5 years. However, thanks to new treatments, quality of life has improved and survival has been prolonged.
Very low frequency cancer
The myelofibrosis is a rare or low prevalence disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers in this range those that generate less than 50 cases per 100 thousand people. While it is a disease that affects both men and women and is usually diagnosed in people over 50 years of age.
the myelofibrosis occurs when there is a genetic mutation in the stem cells of the bone marrow, those that produce red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen), white blood cells (defense cells) and platelets (cells that start the coagulation process) in the blood. About, 50% of people with myelofibrosis have a mutation.
When the bone marrow cannot make enough healthy blood cells, the result can be severe anemia, weakness, bone pain, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection.
disease symptoms
The myelofibrosis it develops slowly, there are patients who have no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, people may experience: tiredness or fatigue, pain or a feeling of discomfort or pain below the ribs on the left side as a result of an enlarged spleen, pale skin, night sweats excessive pain, fever, bleeding or bruising, frequent infections, weight loss, and bone or joint pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Bone marrow biopsy is essential for diagnosis, a procedure usually performed by a specialist in hematology. In this procedure, a small 1-centimeter sample of bone tissue is taken to send to a laboratory, where a pathologist identifies the degree of fibrosis (excess tissue) within the bone marrow.
In addition, there are imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound, which helps to measure the size of the spleen. And MRI tests may also be used to identify changes in the bone marrow that indicate the presence of myelofibrosis.
On the other hand, to report on this disease The first Mexican medical guide to care for patients with myelofibrosis was published. It was created by the Foundation of Alba and United Association for Bone Marrow Transplantation “Francisco Casares Cortina”, AC Its content is important to you because it is useful for your clinical practice.