Primary thrombocythemia

Alternative names:

essential thrombocythemia; essential thrombocytosis; hemorrhagic thrombocythemia

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at controlling bleeding or thrombotic episodes. Specific treatment has not been defined. Some people have benefited from chemotherapy.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies, with reports ranging from prolonged periods without complications in some people, to fatalities from complications related to hemorrhage and thrombosis in others.

Complications:

• severe hemorrhage
• thrombotic episodes (stroke, heart attack, or blood clots in extremities)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if unexplained or prolonged bleeding occurs.

Call your health care provider if chest pain, leg pain, confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms develop.