Treatment Options For Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera is a type of blood cancer in which the patient’s bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. The patient’s blood thus becomes abnormally thick, and circulation slows. This, in turn, can cause complications like blood clots that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Polycythemia vera is uncommon. It also develops slowly, so a patient can have it for years without knowing it. In many cases, the doctor will diagnose the condition while performing a blood test for some other reason. While many patients do not show any symptoms, others may develop symptoms such as weight loss, fever, minor bruising or bleeding, fatigue, and itchiness, especially after a warm shower or bath. Polycythemia vera is most common in adults over sixty years old and can be life-threatening if it is left untreated. Treatment options include those described below.