Polycythemia Vera Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Natural Health News November 25, 2014

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What Is Polycythemia Vera?

It is a slow-growing form of blood cancer wherein the bone marrow produces abnormal amounts of red blood cells. The disorder may even consequent in making many other blood cells type. Such additional cells tend to thicken the blood, sourcing a number of complications including bleeding and blood clots. Polycythemia vera is a rare disorder, which develops gradually. Its symptoms can go unnoticed for years.

Mention The Alternative Names Of Polycythemia Vera:

Polycythemia Vera Is Also Known By The Following Names:

Cryptogenic polycythemia.
Splenomegalic polycythemia.
Polycythemia rubra vera.
Primary polycythemia.
Erythremia.
Myeloproliferative disorder.
Myelopathic polycythemia.
Vaquez’s disease.
Polycythemia with chronic cyanosis.
Osler’s disease.
Erythrocytosis megalosplenica.

What Are The Symptoms Of Polycythemia Vera?

Few Common Symptoms Of Polycythemia Vera Include:

Dizziness.
Breathing difficulties when lying down.
Excessive bleeding.
Headache.
Phlebitis.
Feeling of fullness in your upper left abdomen.
Red skin coloring (mainly the face).
Itchiness, particularly after taking a bath.
Vision problems.
Red spots on the skin.
Fatigue.
Bluish skin color.

When Is The High Time To See A Medical Professional?

In case you notice the above mentioned symptoms, particularly breathing difficulties and excessive bleeding, immediately call up for an appointment.

What Causes Polycythemia Vera?

The disorder of bone marrow, polycythemia vera tend to root the abnormal production of red blood cells. Moreover, the amount of platelets and white blood cells may also rise.
Polycythemia vera is a rare disorder which is commonly observed in men as compared to women. Mostly, it occurs in individual over the age of forty. Moreover, the disorder is associated with a gene defect, JAK2V617F. However what exactly causes the gene defect tends to remain a mystery.

What Are The Potential Complications Of Polycythemia Vera?

Few complications associated with the disorder include:

Myelofibrosis.
Heart failure.
Gout.
Bleeding from your stomach.
Acute myelogenous leukemia.
Thrombosis.

How Is Polycythemia Vera Diagnosed?

During your visit, the doctor will carry out a physical exam. He or she will suggest the following tests:

CBC with differential.
Bone marrow biopsy.
Erythropoietin level.
Comprehensive metabolic panel.
R.B.C mass.
Oxygen blood saturation.
Vitamin B12 level.
Genetic testing of JAK2V617F mutation.

How Is Polycythemia Vera Treated?

The treatment of polycythemia vera aims to lessen your blood thickness and avert clotting and bleeding. For the purpose, the doctor can suggest the method named phlebotomy, wherein a blood unit is taken every week. The method is continued to be conducted until the amount of R.B.C drops. Few other treatment options of polycythemia vera include:

Interferon (for lowering blood counts).
Chemotherapy to lessen the amount of R.B.C produced by your bone marrow.
Anagrelide (for lowering platelet counts).
Few individuals choose to take aspirin for minimizing their chances of blood clots, though it raises the chances of stomach bleeding. Few patients complain about severe itching, for the purpose, ultraviolet-B therapy is ideal.

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