Whats the difference between polycythemia and polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia means increased red blood cell volume. Polycythemia is divided into two main categories; primary and secondary. Polycythemia can be linked to secondary causes, such as, chronic hypoxia or tumors releasing erythropoietin. Abnormally increased red cell production in the bone marrow causes polycythemia vera.

Correspondingly, is polycythemia and polycythemia vera the same?

Primary polycythemias are due to factors intrinsic to red cell precursors. Polycythemia vera (PCV), polycythemia rubra vera (PRV), or erythremia, occurs when excess red blood cells are produced as a result of an abnormality of the bone marrow. PCV is classified as a myeloproliferative disease.

Beside above, what are the two types of polycythemia? There are two main types of polycythemia: primary and secondary. The first is usually caused by a genetic mutation, whereas the latter is caused by an underlying condition that either prevents oxygen delivery to tissues (for example, a lung or heart condition), or a tumor that affects secretion of erythropoietin.

Considering this, can secondary polycythemia turn into polycythemia vera?

Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production. In contrast, polycythemia vera is characterized by bone marrow with an inherent increased proliferative activity.

Is high hemoglobin always polycythemia?

Polycythemia is an increased number of red blood cells in the blood. Hemoglobin levels greater than 16.5 g/dL (grams per deciliter) in women and greater than 18.5 g/dL in men suggest polycythemia. In terms of hematocrit, a value greater than 48 in women and 52 in men is indicative of polycythemia.

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Does polycythemia run in families?

Most cases of polycythemia vera are not inherited. This condition is associated with genetic changes that are somatic, which means they are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. In rare instances, polycythemia vera has been found to run in families.

Can you live a full life with polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia Vera: Prognosis and Life Expectancy. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

Does polycythemia vera cause hair loss?

It can be as effective as hydroxyurea, but it more often causes side effects, such as low-grade fevers, night sweats, flu-type symptoms, long-term myelosuppression, hair loss, autoimmune diseases, and depression.

Can polycythemia go away?

You want to feel better, not worse. Remember that secondary polycythemia is caused by an underlying condition, most of which are well-known and have multiple treatment options available. Once the underlying cause is corrected, symptoms of secondary polycythemia usually go away.

Which is a late symptom of polycythemia vera?

More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower. Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs. A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen.

What is the best treatment for polycythemia?

Ruxolitinib (Jakafi) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat people with polycythemia vera who don't respond to or can't take hydroxyurea. It helps your immune system destroy cancer cells, and can improve some polycythemia vera symptoms.

How common is polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera affects slightly more men than women. The disorder is estimated to affect approximately 2 people per 100,000 in the general population. It occurs most often in individuals more than 60 years old, but can affect individuals of any age. It is extremely rare in individuals under 20.

Can I donate blood if I have polycythemia?

As a Polycythemia Vera patient, you can not give blood to the Red Cross. You can go to blood centers where they will accept blood from a PV patient for what is referred to as “therapeutic phlebotomy”. You will need to check with the respective blood center in your area.

Can drinking alcohol cause polycythemia?

The risk factors for secondary polycythemia (erythrocytosis) are: obesity. alcohol abuse. smoking.

What kind of doctor treats polycythemia?

A hematologist is a doctor specializing in blood diseases and disorders. Any hematologist may be able to help you with your PV. But it's a good idea to ask if they've treated anyone else with this particular disease. Most hematologists who treat PV and other blood disorders practice at major medical centers.

How long can you live with polycythemia?

Median survival in patients with polycythemia vera (PV), which is 1.5-3 years in the absence of therapy, has been extended to approximately 14 years overall, and to 24 years for patients younger than 60 years of age, because of new therapeutic tools.

Can polycythemia vera be misdiagnosed?

Mesa, MD, FACP: The misdiagnosis of polycythemia vera has decreased sharply in the era of the presence of the JAK2 mutations for us to test. Certainly, secondary causes of erythrocytosis include, most commonly, sleep apnea and a high affinity of hemoglobins.

How can I lower my hemoglobin levels naturally?

increasing the intake of iron-rich foods (eggs, spinach, artichokes, beans, lean meats, and seafood) and foods rich in cofactors (such as vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C) important for maintaining normal hemoglobin levels. Such foods include fish, vegetables, nuts, cereals, peas, and citrus fruits.

Can polycythemia cause high blood pressure?

The overproduction of red blood cells and high hematocrit levels associated with polycythemia vera can contribute to systemic hypertension; high hematocrit levels have been found to interfere with the vasodilatory effects of nitric oxide.

Is Polycythemia a disability?

If you suffer from polycythemia vera, which is a serious disease that can result in death, you may be unable to work. In those situations, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. If you suffer from this condition, your body creates too many red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

Can polycythemia vera cause low iron?

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm. Virtually all PV patients are iron deficient at presentation and/or during the course of their disease. The co-existence of iron deficiency and polycythemia presents a physiological disconnect.

What conditions can result in polycythemia?

Polycythemia can be linked to secondary causes, such as, chronic hypoxia or tumors releasing erythropoietin. Abnormally increased red cell production in the bone marrow causes polycythemia vera. Treatment of secondary polycythemia is dependent on the underlying condition.