Polycythemia vera
Definition
Polycythemia vera is an abnormal increase in blood cells (primarily red blood cells) due to excess production of the cells by the bone marrow.
Alternative Names
Primary polycythemia; Polycythemia rubra vera; Myeloproliferative disorder; Erythremia; Splenomegalic polycythemia; Vaquez's disease; Osler's disease; Polycythemia with chronic cyanosis - Myelopathic polycythemia; Erythrocytosis megalosplenica; Cryptogenic polycythemiaCauses
Polycythemia vera is an acquired disorder of the bone marrow that causes the overproduction of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
It is a rare disease that occurs more frequently in men than women, and rarely in patients under age 40. The exact cause is unknown.
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