blood disorders
Essential Thrombocythemia
Introduction
Essential thrombocythemia is a Overview of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in which excess platelets are produced, leading to abnormal blood clotting or bleeding. The hands and feet may burn, turn red or discolored, and tingle, and the fingertips may feel cold. Blood tests usually provide a diagnosis, but sometimes a bone marrow biopsy is needed. Treatments that suppress symptoms and decrease platelet production are given. In Overview of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms . the Platelets (thrombocytes) are cell-like particles in the blood that help the body form blood clots. Platelets are normally produced in the bone marrow by cells called megakaryocytes. In thrombocythemia, megakaryocytes increase in number and produce too many platelets. Thrombocythemia can be Primary (essential): Caused by a disorder of platelet-forming cells Secondary: Caused by a disorder that triggers increased production by normal platelet-forming cells (see Secondary Thrombocythemia ) Essential thrombocythemia usually occurs in people over age 50. Sometimes younger patients, especially young women are affected. Essential thrombocythemia is considered a myeloproliferative neoplasm, in which certain Formation of Blood Cells in the bone marrow reproduce excessively. The cause is a genetic mutation usually in the Janus kinase 2 ( 