In this video, Dr. John Mascarenhas explains that
polycythemia vera (
PV) arises from
acquired gene mutations that signal the bone marrow to make
too many red blood cells. Almost all people with PV have a
mutation in a gene called
JAK2
. He provides an overview of how this mutation
drives inflammation and overproduction of blood cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, itching, headaches, bone pain, and enlargement of the spleen or liver. PV is usually diagnosed around age 60 to 65, and men are slightly more likely than women to develop PV.
-
Share with family and friends:
Click here to take our SURVEY
Your feedback is important to us! We will use your feedback to develop future areas of content about myeloproliferative neoplasms which will help other patients, caregivers, and families.