Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis

Overview

Platelets are blood particles produced in the bone marrow that play an important role in the process of forming blood clots. Thrombocytosis (throm-boe-sie-TOE-sis) is a disorder in which your body produces too many platelets.

It's called reactive thrombocytosis or secondary thrombocytosis when the cause is an underlying condition, such as an infection.


Less commonly, when thrombocytosis has no apparent underlying condition as a cause, the disorder is called primary thrombocythemia or essential thrombocythemia. This is a blood and bone marrow disease.

Your doctor might detect thrombocytosis in a routine blood test result that shows a high platelet level. If your blood test indicates thrombocytosis, it's important to determine whether it's reactive thrombocytosis or essential thrombocythemia to know how to manage the condition.

Symptoms

People with thrombocytosis often don't have signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of reactive thrombocytosis, if they do occur, relate to the underlying condition.

People with essential thrombocythemia might have signs and symptoms related to blood clots and bleeding, including:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness
  • Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet

When to see a doctor

Because thrombocytosis isn't likely to cause symptoms, you probably won't know you have it unless a routine blood test reveals a higher than normal number of platelets. If that occurs, your doctor will try to determine the reason.

Causes

Bone marrow — spongy tissue inside your bones — contains stem cells that can become red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Platelets stick together, helping blood to form a clot that stops bleeding when you damage a blood vessel, such as when you cut yourself. Thrombocytosis occurs when your body produces too many platelets.

Reactive thrombocytosis

This is the more common type of thrombocytosis. It’s caused by an underlying medical problem, such as:

  • Acute bleeding and blood loss
  • Cancer
  • Infections
  • Iron deficiency
  • Removal of your spleen
  • Hemolytic anemia — a type of anemia in which your body destroys red blood cells faster than it produces them, often due to certain blood diseases or autoimmune disorders
  • Inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Surgery or other type of trauma

Essential thrombocythemia

The cause of this disorder is unclear but it often appears to be connected to mutations in a variety of genes. Your bone marrow produces too many of the cells that form platelets and these platelets are often abnormal. This poses a much higher risk of clotting or bleeding complications than does reactive thrombocytosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is thrombocytosis?

What is thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis is a disorder characterized by the overproduction of platelets, which are blood particles involved in the formation of blood clots.

What are the two types of thrombocytosis?

What are the two types of thrombocytosis?

There are two types of thrombocytosis: reactive thrombocytosis, which is caused by an underlying condition, and essential thrombocythemia, a blood and bone marrow disease.

What are the symptoms of thrombocytosis?

What are the symptoms of thrombocytosis?

Most people with thrombocytosis do not experience symptoms. However, those with essential thrombocythemia may have symptoms related to blood clots and bleeding, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pain, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

When should I see a doctor regarding thrombocytosis?

When should I see a doctor regarding thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis is often detected through routine blood tests. If your platelet levels are higher than normal, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

What causes thrombocytosis?

What causes thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis can be caused by various factors. Reactive thrombocytosis is commonly associated with conditions such as acute bleeding, cancer, infections, iron deficiency, inflammatory disorders, or surgery. The cause of essential thrombocythemia is unclear but is often linked to genetic mutations.

How is thrombocytosis diagnosed?

How is thrombocytosis diagnosed?

Thrombocytosis is typically diagnosed through a routine blood test that reveals a high platelet count. Further tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause and differentiate between reactive thrombocytosis and essential thrombocythemia.

What are the risks associated with thrombocytosis?

What are the risks associated with thrombocytosis?

Essential thrombocythemia poses a higher risk of clotting or bleeding complications compared to reactive thrombocytosis. However, both types of thrombocytosis require proper management and monitoring.

How is thrombocytosis managed?

How is thrombocytosis managed?

The management of thrombocytosis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition, medications to control platelet production, or procedures to reduce platelet count.

Can thrombocytosis be prevented?

Can thrombocytosis be prevented?

Preventing thrombocytosis may not always be possible, as it can be caused by various factors. However, maintaining overall health, managing underlying conditions, and following your doctor's recommendations can help reduce the risk.

Is thrombocytosis a life-threatening condition?

Is thrombocytosis a life-threatening condition?

Thrombocytosis itself is not typically life-threatening, but complications such as blood clots or excessive bleeding can pose serious health risks. Proper diagnosis, management, and monitoring are essential to minimize these risks.

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