Is primary myelofibrosis hereditary?
I have been diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis, and I'm very concerned. I often feel fatigued, experience discomfort in the upper left abdomen, and am prone to low-grade fever. I've heard this condition is quite complex. I wonder if primary myelofibrosis can be passed on to my children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Primary myelofibrosis is not directly inherited.
Primary myelofibrosis is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder and is classified as a type of myelodysplastic syndrome.
1. Genetic characteristics: Primary myelofibrosis is not a hereditary disease and is not directly passed from parents to children. The occurrence of this disease is associated with certain gene mutations, such as mutations in the JAK2, CALR, and MPL genes. These mutations mostly occur randomly during a patient's lifetime rather than being inherited from parents.
2. Etiology: The development of this disease is often related to chromosomal mutations. Additionally, long-term exposure to ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays, or to certain chemicals such as paint, asphalt, and formaldehyde, may also trigger the disease.
3. Clinical manifestations: Patients with primary myelofibrosis often present with significant enlargement of the spleen. Blood smear examinations may reveal the presence of immature red blood cells and immature granulocytes, while bone marrow pathology shows fibrous tissue proliferation.
