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Erythremia Definition & Overview

Definition

Polycythemia is a condition that occurs when the bone marrow produces an abnormal and excessive amount of red blood cells and platelets in the blood. The abnormal increase of red blood cells in the blood can cause the blood to thicken and clot.

There are several forms of polycythemia—primary polycythemia, secondary polycythemia, and stress polycythemia—and each form has its own set of causes and risk factors.

Primary polycythemia is a serious and chronic condition that requires immediate care from your doctor. No cures exist for this condition, but there are treatment options. It is extremely important that you seek medical attention to establish a treatment plan.

Location of Active Bone Marrow in an Adult

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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

The Latest in Erythremia Definition & Overview

  • Primary Polycythemia

    Encylopedia entry for Primary Polycythemia.

    Primary Polycythemia(Polycythemia Vera [PCV]; Polycythemia Rubra Vera [PRV];

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