Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of myeloproliferative neoplasms?
Many people with MPNs do not have any symptoms; however, a routine blood test may confirm high levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Each type of MPN may cause varying symptoms. More common symptoms include:
- headaches
- fatigue and tiredness
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- night sweats
- itching
- raised blood pressure
Other symptoms are specific to the type of MPN.
What causes MPNs?
Although seen across all age groups, MPNs are more often seen in adults. A genetic mutation in a protein that regulates blood cell production — JAK2 — is found in a large number of people with MPNs, while a smaller number have other mutations in other genes, such as MPL or CALR. Nevertheless, the common denominator is that all these mutations activate the JAK2 pathway.