Thrombocytosis is a condition in which the body produces an excess number of platelets.
During an exam for a routine physical or another condition, your doctor might find that yourspleen is enlarged or you have signs or symptoms of an infection or another condition.
In that case, your doctor might order a complete blood count. This test can determine whether your platelet count is higher than normal. Because a number of conditions can cause a temporary rise in your platelet count, your doctor likely will repeat the blood test to see if your platelet count remains high over time.
Your doctor might also order tests to check for:
- Abnormal levels of iron in your blood
- Markers of inflammation
- Undiagnosed cancer
- Associated gene mutations
You might also need a procedure that uses a needle to remove a small sample of your bone marrow for testing.
- Treatment
- Reactive thrombocytosis
- Treatment for this condition depends on the cause.
If you've had significant blood loss from a recent surgery or an injury, your elevated platelet count might resolve on its own.
If you have a chronic infection or an inflammatory disease, your platelet count likely will remain high until the condition is under control. In most cases, your platelet count will return to normal after the cause is resolved.
If you've had your spleen removed (splenectomy), you might have lifelong thrombocytosis, but you're unlikely to need treatment.
Essential thrombocythemia
People with this condition who have no signs or symptoms are unlikely to need treatment as long as the condition is stable. Your doctor might recommend that you take daily, low-dose aspirin to help thin your blood if you'e at risk of blood clots. Don't take aspirin without checking with your doctor.
You might need to take drugs or have procedures to lower your platelet counts if you:
- Have a history of blood clots and bleeding
- Have risk factors for heart disease
- Are older than 60
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytosis/diagnosis-
treatment/drc-20378319
