Contents
What is Essential Thrombocythemia and Why Should You Care?
Published: Apr 22, 2024
Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare blood disorder that causes the body to produce too many platelets, which can lead to blood clots or bleeding. Learn how this condition affects the body and why it's important to know about it.
What Causes Essential Thrombocythemia?
Essential Thrombocythemia occurs when there is an overproduction of platelets due to changes in the bone marrow. These changes are often linked to genetic mutations in genes like JAK2, CALR, or MPL, which affect the blood cell production process. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, these mutations are a major factor in developing ET.
Who is at Risk?
ET can affect anyone, but it is more common in middle-aged and older adults, with a higher incidence in women. It's less common in children, but when it does occur, it appears to be relatively benign. Factors like race, sex, and age play a role in the likelihood of developing ET.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Many people with ET don't have symptoms and discover the condition through a routine blood test. When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, dizziness, or visual changes. Serious complications can involve blood clots or bleeding, making early detection vital.
Frequently Asked Questions
ET is mainly caused by genetic mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes.
Middle-aged and older adults, particularly women, are most at risk.
Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and visual changes.
Yes, ET is often detected through routine blood tests before symptoms appear.
The Bottom Line
Understanding ET can help manage risks and improve health outcomes.
References
- Rumi E, Passamonti F, Della Porta MG, et al. Familial chronic myeloproliferative disorders: clinical phenotype and evidence of disease anticipation. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:5630.
- Rumi E, Harutyunyan AS, Pietra D, et al. CALR exon 9 mutations are somatically acquired events in familial cases of essential thrombocythemia or primary myelofibrosis. Blood 2014; 123:2416.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?