Hi,
My nana has been diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') around a year ago, her consultant has always mentioned Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') but recently on a letter to her dr it mentions that she has myeloproloferative, it this the same, if not then what is the difference? this has come as a shock to her and has worried her, any advice would be welcome please, thank you.
@chloe.f Sorry to read about your nana’s diagnosis. I think I can can help to reassure you both. I’m not a doctor so this is my non-medically-trained understanding. Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') is one of a group of blood disorders that are collectively known as Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. This is abbreviated to Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN'). It simply means the body is producing too many blood cells. Depending upon which types of blood cells are produced to excess the illness is give different names. Hence the variety I have is called Polycythaemia Vera (Polycythaemia vera ('PV')). Both Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') and Polycythaemia vera ('PV') are MPNs. In summary, the doctor using a slightly more general term isn’t anything to worry about; it’s not a new diagnosis.
I hope this helps.
Lucky.
Hi @chloe.f
Welcome to the forum.
The medical terms can be so confusing can’t they. I have copied on the @BloodCancerUK_Nurses who will be able to help. You could also give the helpline a call and speak to somebody. I’ve copied the link below.
How is your nan doing and the moment? And you?
Nichola
Hi @chloe.f,
@Lucky has explained it really well. Essential Thrombocythemia is one of a group of conditions collectively known as Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), so the letter isn’t flagging anything new - it’s just using a broader category name that sits above her specific diagnosis. Understandable why that was unclear, though.
We have information about Essential Thrombocythemia on our website if it would help to read more, and there’s also an overview of what MPNs are here.
As I mentioned in another reply to you, please do feel very welcome to call on our Support Services to talk to our blood cancer nurses. If either you or your nana would like to talk things through they’re on 0808 2080 888 (option 1) or support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
Take care and let us know how you’re both getting on,
Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services
Hello there @chloe.f, I just wanted to welcome you to the forum too. I’m really sorry to read that your nana was diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia ('ET'), that must have been horrible for you both.
I happen to live with a closely related type of blood cancer to Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') called Polycythaemia vera ('PV'), like dear @Lucky (hey there Lucky!). I can’t really add anything to the great descriptions Lucky and @Ceri_BloodCancerUK have shared, but yes Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') is a type of Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN').
Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN') have been considered types of blood cancer since the early 2000s (2008 I believe), in case that comes up. Do consider calling the Blood Cancer UK nurses like @Nichola75 and Ceri suggest as they can answer you and your nana’s queries and point you towards resources that may be of interest.
Do keep us posted about how your nana and you get on please @chloe.f.