Essential Thrombocythemia is a hematological malignancy classified in a group of bone marrow disorders known as Myeloproliferative Disorders . People with Essential Thrombocythemia have a bone marrow that produces too many platelets, making them susceptible to strokes and heart attacks. It can be life threatening if untreated. Currently there is no cure for Essential Thrombocythemia, and the disease can progress into a more serious form of a Myeloproliferative Disorder such as Myelofibrosis (MF) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML.)
People with Essential Thrombocythemia may be asymptomatic at diagnosis and may not require treatment. Those who are symptomatic may present with symptoms related to small or large vessel thrombosis or minor bleeding. The incidence of thrombotic and bleeding episodes is minimized but not eliminated with reduction of the platelet count to normal.