What is secondary polycythemia vera?
Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production. In contrast, polycythemia vera is characterized by bone marrow with an inherent increased proliferative activity.
What is polycythemia vera caused by?
Polycythemia vera is caused by a malignant change in the genetic material (DNA) within a single cell of the bone marrow (clonal disorder). Bone marrow is the soft, spongy material found inside bone where most blood cell production occurs. The underlying reason why this malignant change occurs is unknown.
Does polycythemia vera shorten your life?
Median survival in patients with polycythemia vera (PV), which is 1.5-3 years in the absence of therapy, has been extended to approximately 14 years overall, and to 24 years for patients younger than 60 years of age, because of new therapeutic tools.
What are the signs and symptoms of secondary polycythemia?
Patients with secondary polycythemia may have symptoms including:
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Blurred vision.
- Anorexia.
- Weakness.
- Reduced mental acuity
Does aspirin help polycythemia?
Low-dose aspirin keeps platelets from sticking together. That makes you less likely to get blood clots, which can cause heart attacks or strokes. Most people with polycythemia vera get this as part of their treatment.
What are the types of polycythemia vera?
Primary polycythemia (also known as polycythemia vera) This type of polycythemia occurs when erythrocytes are produced as a result of a proliferative abnormality of the bone marrow.
What does polycythemia vera do to the body?
Polycythemia Vera. The extra red blood cells make your blood thicker than normal. As a result, blood clots can form more easily. These clots can block blood flow through your arteries and veins, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Thicker blood also doesn’t flow as quickly to your body as normal blood.
How is polycythemia vera diagnosed and treated?
If your doctor suspects you have polycythemia vera, he or she might recommend a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy to collect a sample of your bone marrow for study. A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a sample of solid bone marrow material. A bone marrow aspiration is usually done at the same time.
What can you do to manage polycythemia vera?
Method 1 of 3: Seeking Medical Care. Discuss aspirin with your doctor. Aspirin can be used to reduce the risk of things like blood clots and strokes.