How long can you live with PV?

Median survival in patients with polycythemia vera (PV), which is 1.5-3 years in the absence of therapy, has been extended to approximately 14 years overall, and to 24 years for patients younger than 60 years of age, because of new therapeutic tools.

Is Polycythemia a death sentence?

Is there a cure? There is currently no cure for PV, but the disease is not necessarily a death sentence. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the median life expectancy after diagnosis is 20 years.

Is Polycythemia a deadly disease?

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications.

Can you live a long life with polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

Is polycythemia a disability?

If you suffer from polycythemia vera, which is a serious disease that can result in death, you may be unable to work. In those situations, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

How does polycythemia make you feel?

Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower. Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs.

Can you die from polycythemia?

Untreated, polycythemia vera can be fatal. Research has found that the “1.5-3 years of median survival in the absence of therapy has been extended to at least 10-20 years because of new therapeutic tools.”.

When is polycythemia dangerous?

Polycythemia vera can be life-threatening if untreated and lead to such complications as acute myelogenous leukemia, heart attack and stroke. For more details on symptoms and complications, see symptoms of polycythemia.

Is polycythemia vera contagious?

Polycythemia vera is not a contagious disease. It does not pass from one person to another like a common cold. It occurs when there is a problem in the gene known as JAK2, which is responsible for keeping a check on the excessive production of blood cells.

Is polycythemia vera fatal?

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications.