Erythrocytosis, or an elevated red blood cell count, can arise from different causes, broadly categorized into primary and secondary forms. Primary erythrocytosis originates from issues within the bone marrow itself, while secondary erythrocytosis results from external factors.
Primary Erythrocytosis
Primary erythrocytosis is caused by problems in the bone marrow that lead to an overproduction of red blood cells. The most common causes include:
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
- Polycythemia vera: This is a type of blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells, along with white blood cells and platelets. It's a prime example of a myeloproliferative neoplasm leading to erythrocytosis.
- Other Myeloproliferative Disorders: Other similar conditions can also lead to an increase in red blood cell production.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Polycythemia Vera | A cancer of the blood where there is an overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow. Primarily, the red blood cells are affected. |
| Other Myeloproliferative Neoplasms | Other disorders of the bone marrow can lead to an increased production of red blood cells. |
Understanding Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (also referred to as myeloproliferative disorders) are conditions where the bone marrow produces excessive blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This overproduction can lead to various complications including erythrocytosis.
Key Takeaways
- Primary erythrocytosis is typically caused by bone marrow disorders.
- Polycythemia vera is the most common myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with erythrocytosis.
- Myeloproliferative disorders involve the overproduction of various blood cells.
