Polycythemia Vera: Symptoms & Signs (Primary Polycythemia, Polycythemia Rubra Vera)

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Alternate Names : Primary Polycythemia, Polycythemia Rubra Vera

Symptoms of polycythemia vera are often related to the abnormally high number of blood cells. Symptoms usually come on gradually, and may include:

light-headedness or dizziness

itching, especially after a hot shower or bath

shortness of breath or trouble breathing

a red color to the skin, especially in the face

abnormal bleeding

bone pain

an enlarged spleen or liver

a blood clot in a vein, also called deep venous thrombosis

Some people have no symptoms at all, and the diagnosis is made accidentally when a routine blood test is done.

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Polycythemia Vera: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors		Polycythemia Vera: Diagnosis & Tests

Author: James Broomfield, MD
Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed: 07/05/01

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