What Causes MF?
Myelofibrosis (MF) is complex and may have many contributing factors. Scientists think that it may be related to changes in certain genes. These changes are called "mutations."
People with MF have bone marrow that does not work correctly. In some people with this condition, mutations may affect the behavior of certain proteins, which causes the bone marrow to make too many or too few blood cells. This imbalance of blood cells may cause some of the symptoms of MF. This often happens even if mutations aren’t present.
Another cause of symptoms may be the overproduction of certain proteins called "cytokines." Cytokines can cause inflammation. When your body has too many cytokines, you may experience itching, night sweats, and some other symptoms of MF.
One of the things that…I made sure that I did...is try to educate myself…that’s what it’s all about: knowledge. —Louise, MF Community Member
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