PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Polycythemia vera (PV) is a condition where the bone marrow goes into “overdrive” and makes too many red blood cells, along with too many white blood cells and platelets. This can put you at risk for life-threatening blood clots, bleeding, and certain blood cancers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Polycythemia vera is a condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Affected individuals may also have excess white blood cells and blood clotting cells called platelets.

Detailed explanation-3: -The spleen may become further enlarged. The marrow may become fibrous or scarred, reducing its ability to make red cells and platelets. This condition of the marrow is called “myelofibrosis” or more precisely, post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis. The platelet count may fall to low levels.

Detailed explanation-4: -The most common causes of secondary polycythemia include obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other causes include testosterone replacement therapy and heavy cigarette smoking.