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There are many types of cancer that have ambiguous symptoms. One of them is polycythemia vera. Over time, this disease can develop into chronic myeloid leukemia. That is why it is so important to react quickly and undergo diagnostic tests. What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?
- Polycythemia vera is a cancer of the bone marrow
- It is accompanied by an increase in the number of red blood cells, which in turn leads to a number of troublesome ailments
- One of the symptoms of polycythemia vera is persistent bluish-red discoloration of the feet and hands, accompanied by a painful burning sensation
- Although it is not possible to completely cure polycythemia vera, serious complications can be avoided with proper treatment
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- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Polycythemia vera is a cancer of the bone marrow. The appearance of its first symptoms is associated with an increase in the production of red blood cells, as well as an increase in the number of circulating platelets. The severity of symptoms depends on the severity of the disease. In its most severe stage, bone marrow becomes fibrosis and its functions are turned off, which in turn leads to severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. About 10 percent. People with polycythemia vera develop acute myeloid leukemia.
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Symptoms of polycythemia vera. What to look for?
Polycythemia true for many years may be asymptomatic. However, due to the significant increase in the number of red blood cells, there is an increase in blood density. Then the blood cells are more difficult to move and the patient may experience a number of unpleasant ailments.
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One of the symptoms of polycythemia vera is persistent bluish-red discoloration of the feet and hands combined with a characteristic burning sensation – erythomelalgia. It is a painful erythema of the limbs, which is a vasomotor disorder manifested by paroxysmal redness and warming of the distal parts of the limbs (fingers, hands) accompanied by a strong, painful burning sensation.
Other symptoms of polycythemia vera are:
- headaches and dizziness,
- tinnitus
- blurred vision,
- symptoms of peptic ulcer disease,
- enlargement of the spleen,
- congestion of the oral mucosa and conjunctiva,
- a feeling of fullness in the abdomen,
- abdominal pain,
- itching of the skin that gets worse after a hot bath.
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Polycythemia true – treatment and prevention
All patients with polycythemia vera are treated with blood bleeds and antiplatelet drugs, i.e. acetylsalicylic acid. It is not possible to cure polycythemia vera completely, but with proper treatment, serious complications can be avoided. The most significant life-threatening complication of untreated polycythemia vera is thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism, stroke, or abdominal ischemia. The aim of treatment is therefore to extend life, reduce symptoms and the frequency of complications of the disease.
If you notice any symptoms of polycythemia, see your GP and perform blood count tests.
If the basic blood test shows an increased number of erythrocytes, an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, the doctor will refer the patient to a hematologist for specialist diagnosis.
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