What are the risk factors for myelofibrosis?

Myelofibrosis is a disorder in which abnormal blood-forming cells affect the bone marrow and may lead to scarring. It can develop on its own, or after another myeloproliferative neoplasm. Essential thrombocythaemia and polycythaemia vera are recognised conditions that can precede it. These are associations, not a way to predict an individual diagnosis.

Age can influence risk, but younger people can also develop myelofibrosis. Most cases are not explained by something a person did or failed to do, and the condition is not generally passed directly from parent to child.

Tell a clinician about persistent tiredness, unusual fullness under the left ribs, easy bruising, night sweats, unexplained weight change, or repeated infections. A review may include a blood count, examination of the spleen, and tests that look for changes in blood cells. Keep a list of previous blood conditions and medicines, including treatment for essential thrombocythaemia or polycythaemia vera.

Having a risk factor does not establish myelofibrosis. If you have a related blood disorder, planned blood tests can help your care team notice changes and decide whether further assessment is needed. Read more about [Myelofibrosis](/conditions/myelofibrosis/).

Arrange medical review for new or worsening symptoms such as marked fatigue, persistent fevers, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or increasing abdominal fullness. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness, or heavy bleeding.

Could my blood results suggest a related marrow disorder? Do I need genetic or bone-marrow testing? How often should my blood counts be checked? Which changes in spleen symptoms, bleeding, fever, or fatigue should prompt an urgent call?