It also describes possible complications of ET and the current survival rates for those diagnosed with the disease.
Abnormal bleeding is a common feature of ET.
Additional complications include an increased risk of pregnancy loss and other complications of pregnancy in people with ET.
Science Photo Library - STEVE GSCHMEISSNER / Getty Images
What Causes Essential Thrombocythemia?
It is unclear what causes MPNs like essential thrombocythemia, although genetics is thought to play a central role.
Around 55% of cases involve a genetic mutation known asJanus kinase 2 (JAK2).
Other gene mutations, called MPL and CALR, have also been implicated.
ET is exceptionally rare, affecting fewer than three out of 100,000 people each year.
How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Diagnosed?
Any bloodplatelet countof over 450,000 platelets per microliter is considered a red flag.
Those over a million per microliter are associated with a higher risk of abnormal bruising or bleeding.
Genetic testing may also be performed to detect the JAK2, CALR, and MPL mutations.
Other conditions associated with a high platelet count include:
How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Treated?
Thetreatment of essential thrombocythemiadepends largely on how elevated the platelet count is as well as the likelihood of complications.
Not all people with ET require treatment.Some simply need to be monitored to ensure the condition doesnt worsen.
This is a short-term solution that is typically followed by treatment with platelet-reducing drugs like hydroxyurea or Agrilyn.
What is the life expectancy of a person with essential thrombocythemia?
The median survival from the time of diagnosis (typically around age 60) is 20 years.
Summary
Essential thrombocythemia is a rare blood cancer that causes the excessive production of platelets.
Symptoms range from nosebleeds and abnormal vaginal bleeding to rare but potentially life-threatening complications like heart attack or stroke.
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