Diseases
polycythemia vera
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Polycythemia vera is a type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.
Symptoms
- itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower
- numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs
- unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums
- painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when lying down
Causes
- the cause of the gene mutation in polycythemia vera is unknown, but it's generally not inherited from your parents.
Risk factors
- more common in adults between 50 and 75. men are more likely to get polycythemia
- but women tend to get the disease at younger ages.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- bone marrow aspiration or biopsy
- specific gene testing
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera is a type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.
What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?
itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs, unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums, painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when lying down
What causes polycythemia vera?
the cause of the gene mutation in polycythemia vera is unknown, but it's generally not inherited from your parents.
Which medicines are used for polycythemia vera?
ruxolitinib
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