EFTUD1P1
Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia: A Comprehensive Guide
Description
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a chronic blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count, known as thrombocytosis. Platelets are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting. In ET, the bone marrow produces an excessive number of platelets, leading to an increased risk of blood clots and associated complications.
Associated Diseases
ET is often associated with other blood disorders, including:
- Polycythemia vera (PV): A condition in which the bone marrow overproduces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Myelofibrosis (MF): A condition in which the bone marrow becomes scarred and fibrous, leading to impaired blood production.
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A type of cancer that affects the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.
Did you Know ?
According to the American Cancer Society, ET affects approximately 2 out of every 100,000 people in the United States. It is more common in women than in men, and the average age of onset is around 60 years.
