Primary Thrombocythemia
Alternate Names : Essential Thrombocythemia, Essential Thrombocytosis
Definition Primary thrombocythemia is a condition of overproduction of platelets without a recognizable cause.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Primary thrombocythemia is caused by overgrowth of a blood cell precursor that progresses slowly. Although the platelets are primarily affected, the red blood cells and white blood cells are also involved.
The disease has similarities to polycythemia vera, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and myelofibrosis. Usually it affects people in middle age. Bleeding can occur from the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary tract, or skin.
The formation of blood clots, called thrombosis, may coincide with bleeding episodes. It may even cause strokes in some people. Risk factors are unknown. The incidence is about 3 out of 100,000 people.
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