HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Is the lifespan for blood cancer polycythemia vera short?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

NO: The average lifespan for someone with polycythemia is about the same as it is without polycythemia. The risk of complications of the disease can be decreased with treatment, when appropriate. This may include Aspirin to decrease the risk of blood clots, phlebotomy to decrease the red blood cell count, and/or medication to control the blood counts.

Answered 12/7/2019

5.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Just before losing insurance my endo told me that there was a new testosterone pill on the market that did not raise hematocrit, bypassed metabolism in the liver, and did not cause cancer (have sec. polycythemia). Can you please tell me the name?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Would polycythemia vera show on a blood smear?

3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

A member asked:

I had a doctor tell me my red blood count was high and I have polycythemia Vera what are some signs of it?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I herd that polycythemia vera is just a type of blood and when excess blood is removed and life can be saved. Is it true?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Dad has polycythemia vera. Under control now but.. Is this rare blood disorder genetically passed down and what are very early symptoms? Worried..

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Diagnosed with polycythemia vera today. Is this a blood cancer? My dr. Says no but research suggests otherwise. Help please!
Is polycythemia vera a type of cancer?
What happens if polycythemia vera is diagnosed late, does that mean one is at a greater chance of developing cancer?
What is polycythemia vera? Can high hemoglobin cause any cancer conditions?
Does having polycythemia mean that my kid has cancer?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.