Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis is a condition in which the body produces an abnormally large number of platelets. Platelets are small, disk-shaped cells that are essential for the formation of blood clots. They are produced in the bone marrow, the spongy material inside bones. In normal circumstances, the number of platelets in the bloodstream is tightly regulated by the body. When the body senses that there is an injury, it will send out chemical signals to the bone marrow to produce more platelets so that the wound can be quickly clotted and healing can begin. In thrombocytosis, the body is producing platelets at an abnormally high rate, even when no injury has occurred. The exact cause of thrombocytosis is unclear, but it is believed to be related to an underlying condition such as an infection, inflammatory disorder, or cancer. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, or by exposure to certain toxins. The symptoms of thrombocytosis vary, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. In others, there may be signs and symptoms such as fatigue, easy bruising, and nosebleeds. Thrombocytosis can be diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC), which measures the number of platelets in the blood. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but may include medications to reduce the number of platelets in the blood, or surgery to remove the source of the platelet production.