Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many cells (either red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets). MPNs used to be called myeloproliferative disorders.
There are four main types of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms:
- Essential thrombocythaemia (ET)
- Polycythaemia vera (PV)
- Primary myelofibrosis (MF)
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Less common types of MPNs include:
- Chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL)
- Chronic neutrophilic leukaemia (CNL)
MPNs are chronic diseases that, in most cases, remain stable for many years and progress gradually over time.
Essential thrombocythaemia
Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a disease where too many platelets are made in the bone marrow. Platelets are normally needed in the body to control bleeding, but when there are too many, they may clump together and make it hard for the blood to flow. This can lead to abnormal clotting.
ET is a rare chronic disease with approximately 40 people diagnosed in New Zealand each year. Although ET can be diagnosed at any age, most people are diagnosed around 60 years of age, and it is more common in women than men.
Polycythaemia vera
Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a disease where too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. For many people with PV, there is also an increase of white blood cells and platelets. Having too many blood cells can cause complications like bleeding or blood clots.
PV is a rare chronic disease with approximately 60 people diagnosed in New Zealand each year. Although it can be diagnosed at any age, most people with PT are diagnosed around 60 years old and is more common in men than women.
Primary myelofibrosis
Primary myelofibrosis (MF) is a blood disorder where abnormal cells in the bone marrow cause scarring, also known as fibrosis. The scar tissue in the bone marrow prevents normal, healthy blood cells from being made.
Approximately 40 people are diagnosed with MF each year in New Zealand. Anyone can be diagnosed with MF but it is more commonly seen in people over the age of 60 years old.
Chronic eosinophilic leukaemia
Chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) where too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) are made in the bone marrow. These cells can spill out of the bone marrow and accumulate in the bloodstream and other tissues around the body.
The Leukaemia Care UK website has some useful information about CEL. Click here to open.
Chronic neutrophilic leukaemia
Chronic neutrophilic leukaemia (CNL) is a very rare myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) in which there is an increase in the number of white blood cells in the bone marrow, mainly the mature neutrophil cells.
The Leukaemia Care UK website has some useful information about CNL. Click here to open.
