ET is a type of blood cancer. It belongs to a group of conditions that affect the blood called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

ET is a very slow-developing blood cancer and for most people, doesn’t affect how long they live for.

Find out more about ET and its causes

For support around a blood cancer diagnosis, go to our just diagnosed section.

You may not experience any symptoms at all if you have ET, even once you’re diagnosed. Many people with ET are diagnosed after a routine blood test.

The most common tests to diagnose ET are a full blood count, tests for genetic faults and a bone marrow biopsy.

Find out more about the symptoms and diagnosis of ET

Your treatment will depend on how likely you are to develop complications, and also factors such as your age, your medical history and platelet count. This will help your healthcare team plan the best treatment option for you.

Find out about treatment and side effects for ET

ET usually develops very slowly. With proper monitoring and treatment, ET does not affect most people’s quality of life or life expectancy.

Find out more about the prognosis for ET