Polycythemia Vera Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Polycythemia Vera Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Definition

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a type of blood cancer that initially appears in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the place where blood cells are produced. In polycythemia vera, the bone marrow produces red blood cells excessively, causing the blood to become thicker and decrease its circulation.

The condition of polycythemia vera can cause complications. Some complications that may occur are blood clots which can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke.

PV disease course progresses very slowly, even up to years. This makes many new people know that they suffer from this disease at an advanced age. Polycythemia vera is also more common in men than women.

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if left untreated. However, many sufferers can live a normal life if treated. Only a few cases will turn into more serious cancers such as leukemia or myelofibrosis.

Symptom

Usually, people with polycythemia vera (PV) do not experience any symptoms. The signs of polycythemia vera that are commonly complained of are quite varied, such as:

  • itching, especially after bathing in warm water
  • headache or dizziness
  • minor bleeding
  • bruises
  • weakness and fatigue
  • blurred vision
  • excessive sweating
  • pain in swollen joints usually occurs mostly in the big toe
  • hard to breathe
  • tingling, numbness, burning sensation or weakness in the hands and feet
  • stomach bloating due to enlarged lymph nodes
  • fever
  • weight loss with no known cause

Reason

The cause of polycythemia vera (PV) is the JAK2 genetic mutation. The gene is supposed to work to stop the bone marrow from producing blood cells, so it doesn’t overproduce.

This genetic mutation can run in families. However, these genetic mutations can also occur in non-inherited life.

Diagnosis

Doctors can determine the diagnosis of polycythemia vera (PV) based on symptoms and family history through detailed medical interviews. Apart from that, the doctor will also do a physical examination.

Blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis set by the doctor. This examination will show an increased number of red blood cells, increased hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells to total blood), increased hemoglobin, and very low levels of the hormone erythropoietin. The hormone erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

Bone marrow biopsies and genetic tests may also be performed. The goal is to look for mutations in the JAK2 gene.

Treatment

Polycythemia vera (PV) treatment is not a cure. Treatment aims to control the number of red blood cells in the body to avoid complications.

Treatment that can be done in dealing with polycythemia vera includes the following:

  • Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is a procedure for removing blood from the body. This procedure can reduce the number of blood cells and reduce blood volume so that blood can function properly. The frequency of phlebotomy depends on the severity of the polycythemia vera condition.

  • Low dose aspirin

Taking low-dose aspirin can help lower your risk of blood clots. Aspirin can also reduce the burning sensation and pain in the hands and feet of sufferers.

  • Drugs

Drugs are used with the aim of reducing the number of blood cells and destroying cancer cells. The use of hydroxyurea drugs aims to suppress the ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells.

Meanwhile, alpha interferon is used to stimulate the immune system to fight against excessive red blood cell production. In patients who do not respond to these two drugs, it is advisable to use the drug ruxolitinib to destroy cancer cells.

  • Therapy reduces itching

Patients with polycythemia vera often complain of itching. Sufferers can take antihistamines or UV light therapy to reduce itching.

Lifestyle changes can also help with symptoms of polycythemia vera, such as:

  • Sport

Moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Hand and leg stretching exercises also help improve blood circulation.

  • Avoid cigarettes

Smoking makes blood vessels narrow. Avoiding smoking improves blood circulation and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke from blood clots.

  • Take care of the skin

Avoid scratching itchy skin because it can damage the skin so that it risks infection. Several things can be done to reduce itching, such as bathing with cool water and using mild soap. Also, avoid rubbing the skin to dry it, preferably just pat it on and use a moisturizer.

  • Avoid extreme temperatures

Poor blood flow can increase the risk of injury from extreme temperatures.

  • Be careful with injuries

Wounds become difficult to heal when blood flow is poor. So if there is a wound you should be careful in its treatment.

Prevention

Polycythemia vera (PV) cannot be prevented. This is due to the cause associated with a genetic mutation.

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