Essential thrombocythemia(ET) is one of a group of blood disorders called myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Other types of myeloproliferative neoplasms include primary myelofibrosis andpolycythemia vera.
Genetic mutations in essential thrombocythemia lead toextremely high platelet counts(thrombocytosis).
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Many people are without symptoms at the time of diagnosis and will have a normal life expectancy.
Complications include:
The majority of people will require therapy at some point to prevent complications.
However, life expectancy is similar to or slightly less than the healthy general population.
There are several options that your healthcare provider should discuss with you.
Most people will go several years without requiring treatment, which is typically started if you develop a clot.
All of the treatments discussed above do not cure essential thrombocythemia.
At this time, there is no curative therapy for essential thrombocythemia.
2020;13:263485352097821. doi:10.1177/2634853520978210
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia.
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Hydroxyurea capsule[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Anagrelide capsule[drug label].
