ET, or Essential Thrombocythaemia, is a rare blood cancer. It involves the overproduction of platelets in the blood.
Understanding Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET)
Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a condition characterized by the overproduction of platelets. Platelets are blood cells essential for blood clotting. Too many platelets can lead to complications. ET is also known as primary thrombocythaemia or essential thrombocytosis.
Key Aspects of ET:
- Rarity: ET is a rare blood cancer.
- Platelet Overproduction: The primary feature of ET is the excessive production of platelets.
- Blood Clotting Issues: Because platelets are involved in blood clotting, an excess can lead to both clotting and bleeding problems.
What causes ET?
The cause of ET is often unknown, but it is considered a myeloproliferative neoplasm. This means that the bone marrow cells that produce blood cells grow abnormally.
Symptoms of ET:
Symptoms can vary but may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Vision changes
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Enlarged spleen
Diagnosis of ET:
Diagnosing ET typically involves:
- Blood Tests: To check platelet levels and rule out other causes of thrombocytosis.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: To examine the bone marrow and confirm the diagnosis.
- Genetic Testing: To look for genetic mutations associated with ET.
Treatment of ET:
Treatment approaches depend on the risk of complications:
- Low-Risk Patients: May require only monitoring.
- High-Risk Patients: May need medication to lower platelet counts and reduce the risk of clotting.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | A rare blood cancer leading to high platelet counts. |
| Alternative Names | Primary thrombocythaemia or essential thrombocytosis. |
| Primary Problem | Overproduction of platelets. |
| Potential Complications | Blood clots, bleeding. |
