Polycythemia Vera
Alternate Names : Primary Polycythemia, Polycythemia Rubra Vera
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatment does not cure polycythemia vera. The goal of treatment is to thin the
blood enough to decrease the risk of clots and abnormal bleeding. One of the
main treatments is to remove some of the person's blood, in a procedure called
phlebotomy. The person has blood removed regularly to keep it from getting too
thick. A needle is inserted through the skin and into a vein, usually in the
hand or forearm. Blood is then removed with the needle.
Chemotherapy is also used in some
cases to improve survival. Aspirin can be given to help decrease the risk of
blood clots.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Aspirin can cause allergic reactions,
stomach upset, and kidney damage.
Chemotherapy can cause many different side effects, including nausea and damage to the kidney or
liver.
Removing blood can be painful and may result in an infection. If too much blood
is removed, a person may feel weak and tired.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Most people die from polycythemia vera or its complications, with or without
treatment. Treatment can allow a person to live longer in most cases, but
cannot cure the cancer.
How is the disease monitored?
A CBC is done regularly to monitor
blood cells counts and to guide further therapy. Other monitoring is related to
any complications that occur, such as blood clots. Any new or worsening
symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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