About MPD (Myeloproliferative Disease)

A type of disease in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, platelets, or certain white blood cells. Myeloproliferative neoplasms usually get worse over time as the number of extra cells build up in the blood and/or bone marrow. This may cause bleeding problems, anemia, infection, fatigue, or other signs and symptoms. Certain myeloproliferative neoplasms may become acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Myeloproliferative neoplasms include chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, and chronic eosinophilic leukemia. Also called chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm. (source: National Cancer Institute)

Symptoms
The symptoms can generally appear suddenly and can be similar to a virus or the flu. These symptoms can be from a wide range of conditions and illnesses, but if they continue then you should consult a physician.

Symptoms can include:

• Coughing, shortness of breath during exertion
• Weakness and fatigue
• Weight loss and or decreased appetite
• Pale skin
• Bruising easily and/or bleeding
• Weakness and fatigue
• Purpura, a condition in which the skin bleeds, causing black and blue or pin-sized spots on the skin
• Sinus, skin or urinary infections
  

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of myeloproliferative disease can be challenging. It often does not have symptoms in the early stages, and when it does they are often mistaken for signs of other diseases. A doctor must have a high degree of experience in MPD to make an accurate diagnosis.
If MPD is suspected, blood tests will be ordered. The blood test results can validate the suspicion, but a bone marrow biopsy may be required to definitively confirm the diagnosis. (Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center)