What is the prevalence of Essential Thrombocythemia?

Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by the overproduction of platelets in the bone marrow. It falls under the category of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which are a group of conditions involving abnormal growth and production of blood cells.

The prevalence of Essential Thrombocythemia varies across different populations and regions. According to available data, the estimated incidence of ET ranges from 0.38 to 2.5 cases per 100,000 individuals per year. It is important to note that these figures may not fully represent the true prevalence, as ET often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature or similarity to other conditions.

ET primarily affects adults, with the median age of diagnosis being around 60 years. It is slightly more common in women than in men. The exact cause of ET is not yet fully understood, but certain genetic mutations, such as the JAK2 mutation, have been associated with its development.

While Essential Thrombocythemia is considered a rare disorder, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of its existence and symptoms in order to provide timely diagnosis and appropriate management for affected individuals.