Thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative blood disorder. It is characterized by the production of too many platelets in the bone marrow.

Too many platelets make normal clotting of blood difficult. There is no known cause for thrombocythemia and the most common symptoms are,

• increased blood clots in arteries and veins
• bleeding
• bruising easily
• bleeding from the nose, gums, gastrointestinal tract
• bloody stools
• hemorrhaging after injury or surgery
• weakness
• enlarged lymph nodes

The symptoms of thrombocythemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for thrombocythemia may include additional blood tests to measure blood counts and elevated platelet levels. Bone-marrow biopsy may also be part of the diagnostic protocol