Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis is a condition in which there is a high level of platelets in the bloodstream. Platelets are small cells in the blood that are involved in the formation of blood clots, the body's normal response to bleeding. An increase in the number of platelets can lead to an increased risk of thrombosis, a condition where a blood clot blocks an artery or vein and can cause serious health problems. Thrombocytosis can be caused by a number of conditions, such as certain cancers and anemia, or in some cases it can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be treated. Diagnosis of thrombocytosis is usually done through a complete blood count (CBC) test and treatment varies according to the underlying cause. Treatment of thrombocytosis is important due to its potential to cause serious health problems, such as stroke or heart attack, if left untreated.