With the support of your doctor, family, friends, and other people who have polycythemia vera, you’ll be in the best position to manage it. You'll usually feel better, too. Latest News from the Kimmel Cancer Center, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), Telomere Syndromes and Dyskeratosis Congenita, The Johns Hopkins Center for the Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders. Since I have polycythemia vera, am I more likely to have a stroke or heart attack? In many cases, treatment can reduce the risk of complications from polycythemia vera and ease signs and symptoms.Treatment might include: 1. Secondary polycythemia, also called secondary erythrocytosis, is the overproduction of red blood cells. They might also make your liver or spleen larger. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare type of blood cancer in which your body produces too many red blood cells. Follow-up for polycythemia vera is often shared among the cancer specialists (oncologists) or blood specialists (hematologists) and your family doctor. Enter the last name, specialty or keyword for your search below. 2. It can also help you find support groups. Pompe Disease: Learn the Details About This Rare Disorder, Understanding Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells. Men get it more often than women. Outside of Maryland (toll free)410-464-6713Request an AppointmentMedical Concierge Services, International Patients+1-410-502-7683Request an AppointmentMedical Concierge Services. Too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and, in many cases, the … Liver and spleen enlargement are other potential complications. Request your next appointment through MyChart! The goal is to avoid complications like blood clots, which may happen because PV … The results can show your doctor if your bone marrow makes too many blood cells. You may be more likely to have clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. Polycythemia vera is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder, characterized by the unregulated production of red cells, white cells and platelets, thrombotic and hemorrhagic events, … PV is caused by a gene (either JAK2 or TET2) that doesn’t work the way it should. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a condition that causes your bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells (RBCs). It's common to worry when you find out that you have cancer. Phlebotomy. A feeling of pressure or fullness below the ribs on the left side. Myelofibrosis is a condition in which your bone marrow fills with scar tissue. There's no cure, but treatments can help … © The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System. Low-dose aspirin. Extra cells may not sound like a problem, but they are. This keeps platelets from sticking together. Do leg and ankle exercises to keep clots from forming in the veins of your legs. Drawing some blood out of your veins in a procedure called phlebotomy is usually the first treatment option for people with polycythemia vera. The increase in blood cells makes the blood thicker, leading to strokes or tissue and organ damage. Bathe or shower in cool water if warm water makes you itch. All rights reserved. Don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to report any new symptoms and symptoms that don’t go away. Before your appointment, it's a good idea to make a list of things to ask your doctor, such as: If you don't have many symptoms, you might not need treatment for PV right away. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a type of slow-growing blood cancer that causes excess red blood cell production. ", New York-Presbyterian Hospital: "Polycythemia Vera. Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a rare slow-growing blood cancer where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Dizziness 4. For more information, see the website for the MPN Research Foundation. Some patients may not need active treatment but should still be monitored by a physician expert. Blurred vision 8. Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins. Polycythemia vera (PV) causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. The JAK2 gene makes a protein that helps the body … That makes you less likely to get blood clots, which in turn makes heart attacks or strokes less likely. Polycythemia vera has some characteristics similar to cancer as it involves the uncontrolled division of an immature cell and it is not curable. Others might have: 1. In rare cases, polycythemia vera may eventually progress into a form of leukemia known as acute myeloid leukemia. Your doctor or a physical therapist can show you how. Many people with polycythemia vera (PV) live a normal life with this rare blood cancer under control. For this test, your doctor will take samples of your marrow, usually from the back of your hip bone. All rights reserved. Polycythemia Vera (PV) Is one of a related group of blood cancers known as “myeloproliferative neoplasms” (MPNs). The MPN Research Foundation has more information about polycythemia vera. Fatigue 7. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You lie down on a table and get a shot that will numb the area. Excessive sweating 9. Medicine to lower blood cells. ", MPN Research Foundation: "Polycythemia Vera. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. What Is Polycythemia Vera? This is often the first treatment for people who have polycythemia vera. ", National Organization for Rare Disorders: "Polycythemia Vera. If you do need treatment, it will be aimed at lowering the amount of red blood cells your body makes and preventing blood clots and other complications. Remember that everyone is different and that all cancers aren’t the same. - Polycythemia Vera, Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments, Understanding Stem Cell Transplants for Blood Cancers, Battling Nature (Part 1): Genetic Possibilities. ", Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Polycythemia Vera. It belongs to a wider group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms, which cause the blood cells developed by the bone marrow to not … Symptoms that may develop as the condition progresses include the following1: 1. Learn more. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing while lying down, Visual disturbance, such as double vision, blurred vision, and blind spots, Itchy skin, particularly after a hot bath. Most people with polycythemia vera have too many red blood cells. It's a lot like donating blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Having too many red blood cells might cause stomach ulcers, gout, or kidney stones. But it can happen at any age. Follow-up after treatment is an important part of cancer care. It's an outpatient procedure, which means you don't have to stay overnight in a hospital. But it can also cause you to have too many white blood cells and platelets. Then, your doctor uses a needle to take out a small amount of bone marrow. Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs 12. If you have itching that doesn't go away, your doctor may give you antihistamines. They’ll ask about your symptoms and see if your face is unusually red. Some people with PV don’t need any other treatment for many years. Most people who have PV don’t get diagnosed until they’re 60 or older, usually after a routine blood test. When this changes, we will update this web site. A mutation, or change, in the body’s JAK2 gene is the main cause of PV. Please understand that our phone lines must be clear for people with urgent and acute medical care needs. At its early stages, PV may not cause any symptoms. ", National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "How Is Polycythemia Vera Diagnosed?" Because it can increase your risk of stroke, it's important to get treatment if necessary. Bleeding or bruising, usually minor 5. You may have some blood tests, including: You may also need a bone marrow biopsy. Your doctor will keep a close watch on you. If your organs don’t get enough blood, you could have chest pain or heart failure. Your doctor takes blood from your vein so you have fewer blood cells. The number of wh… PV can also lead to more serious blood diseases like acute leukemia or myelofibrosis. You need these cells to carry oxygen around your body, but too many of them can make your blood thicken … There is also a small chance that polycythemia vera could cause an … Knowing this, learning that you or a loved one has this disorder can understandably be stressful. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a blood cancer that begins in the marrow of your bones, the soft center where new blood cells grow. You can get it done in a clinic, a hospital, or your doctor's office. Epidemiologic factors associated with PV include: Blood clots also can occur, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. It causes your marrow to make too many red blood cells so your blood is too thick. Many people with polycythemia vera don't have signs or symptoms. Some people with PV also have too … Or, doctors may recognize signs of PV during an examination. This gene plays a significant role in the production of red blood cells (in addition to white blood cells and platelets). National Cancer Institute: "Polycythemia Vera. Your doctor will decide how often you need phlebotomy. Polycythemia vera is a disease in which too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Cancer Matters timely topicsOur Cancer for caregivers, Latest News from the Kimmel Cancer CenterRead Now. If you have polycythemia vera, it means you have a slow-growing blood cancer that can sometimes turn into another, more serious blood cancer. All clonal diseases are types of cancer … Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe 10. Polycythemia vera (PV) also is known as primary polycythemia. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, What Is Polycythemia Vera? Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. The increase in blood cells makes the blood thicker, leading to strokes or tissue and … Gender -- Men may be slightly more likely than women to develop the condition. However, know that this condition can be managed effectively for very long periods. At first, you may not notice any problems. We are experiencing extremely high call volume related to COVID-19 vaccine interest. Your healthcare team will work with you to decide on follow-up care to meet your needs. This can make the blood thicker than normal. Headache 3. Read more COVID-19 Vaccine Information, Patient Care Options | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus Information | Self-Checker | Get Email Alerts. The Allegheny Health Network collaborates on an array of initiatives that support cancer care and research.. Polycythemia vera (PV) is one of several “myeloproliferative neoplasms” (MPNs), a term used to group a number of blood cancers that share several features, especially the clonal production of blood cells. Shortness of breath 11. It causes your marrow to make … A small number of patients may develop acute leukemia or a bone marrow disorder called myelofibrosis. Your doctor will start with a physical exam, including a check of your spleen. Too many white blood cells (WBCs) … Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic blood cancer caused by an acquired gene mutation of the blood cells in the bone marrow, which creates an overproduction of blood cells, particularly red blood cells. When they do show up, polycythemia vera symptoms can include: You may also feel pressure or fullness below your ribs on your left side. Treatment focuses on reducing your amount of blood cells. Itchiness, especially following a warm bath or shower 2. Age -- People older than 60 are most likely to develop the condition, though it may occur at any age. Acute leukemia is a blood cancer that gets worse quickly. The causes of PV are still unknown. 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