Polycythemia vera

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Definition

Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Polycythemia vera also may result in production of too many of the other types of cells in your blood — white blood cells and platelets. But, it's the excess red blood cells that thicken your blood and cause most of the health concerns associated with polycythemia vera.

Polycythemia vera — also called primary polycythemia — occurs most often in older adults. It's rare in people younger than 20. Polycythemia vera usually develops very slowly. You may have it for years without noticing any signs or symptoms. Often, polycythemia vera is found during a blood test done for some other reason.

There's no cure for polycythemia vera. To reduce or prevent symptoms and complications from polycythemia vera, treatment focuses on decreasing your number of blood cells. In some cases, polycythemia vera can cause serious complications and, rarely, lead to other blood disorders. But, with proper medical care, many people with polycythemia vera experience few problems related to the disease.

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Symptoms