Essential Thrombocythemia

Overview

Essential thrombocythemia (throm-bo-sigh-THEE-me-uh), also called ET, is a stem cell disease. Your bone marrow produces stem cells, which include red and white blood cells as well as platelets needed for your blood to clot. ET causes the bone marrow to produce too many platelets and in some cases, too many white blood cells.

Although there isn't a cure for ET, reducing the number of platelets can help some people who develop symptoms. ET is one of several myeloproliferative disorders — a group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many red or white blood cells or too many platelets.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Because ET is uncommon, not all doctors are experienced in treating it. Mayo has developed a large ET practice with highly experienced specialists. Mayo leads many international efforts for ET and similar disorders, including roles in the national Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic is well known for its team approach to diagnosis and treatment. Your team of experts may include specialists in hematology, pathologists with special training in hematology (hematopathologists) and others as needed.
• Newest technology and research. Mayo Clinic pioneered the development of innovative drugs to treat symptoms of ET. Mayo also hosts conferences on myeloproliferative disorders, including ET.

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