Difference Between Polycythemia and Polycythemia Vera

Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production. In contrast, polycythemia vera is characterized by bone marrow with an inherent increased proliferative activity.

Is polycythemia and polycythemia vera the same?
What is the difference between primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia?
What are the two types of polycythemia?
Is Polycythemia a cancer?
Does polycythemia get worse?
What should I eat if I have polycythemia?
Does polycythemia go away?
Can you live a full life with polycythemia vera?
Can polycythemia be cured?
How do you treat polycythemia naturally?
Is Polycythemia a disability?
Is polycythemia vera a rare disease?

Is polycythemia and polycythemia vera the same?

Primary polycythemia is also called polycythemia vera (PV). PV is a rare, slow growing blood cancer that is a type of condition known as a myeloproliferative neoplasm.

What is the difference between primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia?

Causes of polycythemia are primary or secondary. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in red blood cell production cause an increase in red cell count. In secondary polycythemia, factors external to red blood cell production (for example, hypoxia, sleep apnea, certain tumors) result in polycythemia.

What are the two types of polycythemia?

There are 2 main types: primary polycythaemia – there's a problem in the cells produced by the bone marrow that become red blood cells; the most common type is known as polycythaemia vera (PV) secondary polycythaemia – too many red blood cells are produced as the result of an underlying condition.

Is Polycythemia a cancer?

Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sy-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.

Does polycythemia get worse?

It usually happens during the later stages of the disease. Polycythemia vera treatments help reduce your risk of symptoms and complications. But for some people, the disease still gets worse and turns into another blood cancer, despite treatment.

What should I eat if I have polycythemia?

In general, the guidelines for people with PV are the same as for everyone else: eat a low-fat diet in sensible portions with fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. Drink plenty of fluids. It's important to stay well hydrated to keep your blood from thickening.

Does polycythemia go away?

You want to feel better, not worse. Remember that secondary polycythemia is caused by an underlying condition, most of which are well known and have multiple treatment options available. Once the underlying cause is corrected, symptoms of secondary polycythemia usually go away.

Can you live a full life with polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia Vera: Prognosis and Life Expectancy. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

Can polycythemia be cured?

There's no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment focuses on reducing your risk of complications. These treatments may also ease your symptoms.

How do you treat polycythemia naturally?

To Feel Better During Treatment

Exercise daily. Staying active will help keep your blood flowing and prevent clots. ...
Take cool baths to prevent skin irritation. ...
Keep warm. ...
Drink a lot of water. ...
Try not to hurt your feet. ...
Treat itchy skin. ...
Shield your skin from the sun.

Is Polycythemia a disability?

If you suffer from polycythemia vera, which is a serious disease that can result in death, you may be unable to work. In those situations, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Is polycythemia vera a rare disease?

Polycythemia vera is a rare, chronic disorder involving the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow (myeloproliferation).