Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are chronic blood disorders in which the bone marrow makes too many blood cells. We manage polycythaemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythaemia (ET), and myelofibrosis at our Sunbury and Williamstown rooms.
What it is
MPNs include polycythaemia vera (too many red cells), essential thrombocythaemia (too many platelets), and myelofibrosis (scarring in the bone marrow that can cause anaemia, an enlarged spleen, and variable blood counts). Many people are diagnosed after a routine FBC shows a high haematocrit, platelet count, or white cell count. Others present with itching after warm showers, gout, unusual clotting or bleeding, or fullness under the left ribs. JAK2, CALR, or MPL gene tests and, in some cases, bone marrow biopsy help distinguish an MPN from secondary causes such as smoking, sleep apnoea, or iron deficiency. Only a clinician who has assessed you can interpret these results. Speak with your GP if your blood counts are abnormal.
How we help
We take a careful history (including clotting risk, cardiovascular disease, and symptoms), review previous blood counts, and arrange targeted investigations so that a high count is not labelled an MPN without cause. Management is individual: aspirin or cytoreductive medicine where indicated, venesection for some people with polycythaemia, treatment of iron deficiency when it is masking PV, and monitoring for progression. Myelofibrosis care includes symptom control, spleen assessment, and timely discussion of transplant-eligible patients with a tertiary service. We perform therapeutic venesection in clinic when it is part of the plan.
For patients
- Bring previous blood tests if you have them — trends over months or years are often more useful than a single result.
- Tell us about headaches, visual change, itching, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or a history of clots or bleeding.
- Venesection, if recommended, is explained in advance; see our venesection page for what to expect.
- Not every high haemoglobin or platelet count is an MPN. We look for secondary causes before committing to a diagnosis.
- Appointments are available in Sunbury and Williamstown with a GP referral.
For GPs
- Refer persistently elevated haematocrit, platelets, or white cells, suspected PV, ET or myelofibrosis, and unexplained splenomegaly.
- Helpful results include serial FBCs, iron studies, erythropoietin where relevant, and any JAK2/CALR/MPL testing already performed.
- Please note prior arterial or venous thrombosis, bleeding, pregnancy plans, and cardiovascular risk factors.
- Call the rooms for suspected hyperviscosity, progressive cytopenias, or new blast-like features on the film.
When to refer
- Unexplained or persistent polycythaemia, thrombocytosis, or leukocytosis
- Suspected or confirmed PV, ET, or myelofibrosis
- History of unusual thrombosis with abnormal blood counts
- Need for therapeutic venesection or ongoing MPN monitoring
Clinics and referrals
Consultations are at Sunbury Clinic, Vineyard Medical Centre, 2-6 Sussex Court, Sunbury VIC 3429, and Williamstown Clinic, Williamstown Specialist Centre, 87 Ferguson Street, Williamstown VIC 3016. A GP referral is required.
Related information
This page is general information about haematology conditions and services. It is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or a substitute for medical advice. Please talk to your GP if you have symptoms or abnormal blood results.