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We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

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Essential thrombocythaemia (ET)

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a type of blood cancer where your body makes too many blood cells called platelets.

Jacqueline, a blood cancer patient, looking into the sun outdoors with a black coat on.

What is ET?

ET is part of a group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms. If you have ET, your body makes too many blood cells called platelets.
An older man wearing a white shirt and grey jumper is in consultation with his doctor. He is making eye contact and looks like he is asking a question.

Prognosis for ET

ET is not curable yet, but it is treatable and can be managed. Find out what the prognosis might look like for you.
Woman lying on sofa looking tired.

Symptoms of ET

Lots of people don't notice any symptoms before they’re diagnosed with ET, but some do.
A researcher wearing a facemask inspects a vial of blood on a table with other vials.

Testing for ET

You'll need tests to check if you have ET. If you get a diagnosis, you'll also have tests to monitor the risk of blood clots.
Close-up of pills being emptied from a plastic container into a hand.

Treatment and side effects

Treatment for ET aims to control your symptoms so you can have a good quality of life.
Erica, who has chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) walking down a path between two bushes.

Looking after yourself with ET

There is nothing you could have done to prevent getting ET, but there are things you can do to make you feel better mentally, physically and emotionally.

This information about ET is accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.

Last full review September 2023. Next full review due September 2026. We may make factual updates to the information between reviews.

We would like to thank Consultant Haematologists Clare Kane and Mallika Sekhar for checking the medical content of our ET information, and Clinical Nurse Specialists Jodie Nightingill and Madeleine Ward for their guidance and support. Thank you also to Anna, Ed, Esther and Gail for supporting this project and sharing their experience of living with ET.