Treatment for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) in CT, MD, And NJ
Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disorders are rare blood cancers that develop from genetic changes in stem cells. Bone marrow is the part of the body responsible for creating stem cells. These cells eventually grow into red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Myeloproliferative neoplasm disorders can cause these cells to overproduce, which alters the blood’s thickness and overwhelms the body. Eventually, this overproduction of blood cells can prevent the bone marrow from making new, healthy cells and lead to other medical issues, such as acute myeloid leukemia.
The specialists at Regional Cancer Care Associates understand how difficult it can be to deal with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disorder. They have extensive expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders, including MPN. With more than 20 locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area, RCCA offers patients cutting-edge, compassionate care in convenient settings close to home.
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Symptoms of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Disorder
Because there are many kinds of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disorders, symptoms can vary widely. Some people with an MPN disorder may not experience any symptoms during the early stages of the disease. However, signs can potentially worsen over time and lead to further complications. The most common symptoms of an MPN disorder include:
- Pain in the joints or bones
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Weakness
- Easy bruising
- Frequent, unusual bleeding
- Weight loss
- Enlarged spleen
- Hypertension
- Headaches
- Itchiness
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
Types of MPN Disorders
The three most common types of MPN disorders are:
- Essential thrombocythemia: This is an MPN disorder that typically affects older individuals. The condition develops when the bone marrow produces too many platelets. Platelets are the elements of blood essential for stopping bleeding when people cut their skin. Platelets control bleeding by forming together to create blood clots.
- Myelofibrosis: This cancerous blood disorder affects bone marrow tissue. Myelofibrosis occurs when bone marrow tissue becomes overtaken by a scar-like substance. Patients with myelofibrosis have high platelet levels that release chemicals that affect the growth of fibroblasts, important cells in the development of the body’s connective tissue. This can cause fibroblasts to overproduce and eventually take over bone marrow. In turn, this can prevent bone marrow from creating blood cells, including platelets.
- Polycythemia vera: This is a rare and chronic MPN disorder. Patients are typically diagnosed with polycythemia vera at an older age. It develops when a genetic mutation in the stem cells causes the body to create too many red blood cells. If left untreated, it can lead to additional health conditions.
Diagnosing MPN Disorders
Because symptoms may not arise until a patient’s condition worsens, many individuals may not know they have an myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disorder. In many cases, patients receive a diagnosis after completing a blood test for another medical reason. However, other patients may experience debilitating symptoms and seek answers. After taking a thorough history and performing a comprehensive examination, physicians may order one or more tests, including:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Genetic testing
Obtain Treatment for Your MPN Disorder at Regional Cancer Care Associates
If a patient’s myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disorder is mild and symptoms are non-existent, physicians may defer treatment. However, if the patient’s symptoms are more pronounced or the condition worsens, several treatment options are available, including:
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Chemotherapy
In addition, physicians may choose other treatment plans specific to each MPN disorder. For example, those with polycythemia vera may require phlebotomy. People with essential thrombocythaemia can also undergo a platelet removal procedure to reduce platelet levels. Patients with myelofibrosis may need regular blood transfusions or a splenectomy.
The specialists at Regional Cancer Care Associates serve patients across NJ, CT, MD, and the Washington D.C. area with comprehensive and patient-centered care. They can assist patients with treatments for myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disorders, as well as a variety of other conditions. To learn more, contact us or request an appointment today.
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Schedule an Appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
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