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Essential Thrombocythaemia - cancer or not?

Ovingite
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Hi, 

I was diagnosed with ET in July. My consultant haematologist was very clear in stating - twice - that it was not cancer, although it is treated with drugs from the chemotherapy spectrum (hydroxycarbamide in my case). Since then I have seen ET classified as a cancer in many places , including the WHO and MPN Voice.

Can anyone explain this apparent dichotomy please? Whether it is, or is not cancer won't change the diagnosis or treatment, but I feel totally confused. I am meeting my consultant next week and it would be good to have a range of views to inform the discussion.

Many thanks

John

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    Hi John,

    I am sorry to hear about your uncertainty.

    Most of us on this site have cancer ourselves or care for someone with cancer. We are not medics, but can I suggest that you phone the nurses on this site? The number is freephone and the nurses there should be able to help you with your query. Their number is 0808 800 4040. They are not available at the weekend, so you'll have to wait until Monday.

    I hope that all goes well at your metting with your consultant next week and that you come away with a better understanding of your condition. Don't be afraid to ask your consultant when you don't understand what he is saying.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi,

     

    just wondering whether you managed to get to get clarification on this? I am in the same boat, kind of, and I’m very confused right now

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    Hello and welcome to Cancer Chat, Ovingite. 

    I noticed that [@BabyBump2]‍ has asked a similar question in our Ask the Nurses section of the forum, so I thought I'd share Nurse Celene's response, in case it's helpful: Is ET classified as a cancer? 

    I hope your consultant appointment goes well next week and you get the answers to the questions that you need.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Helen

    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi, Im having tests done at the moment as the consultant thinks I've also got ET !! I'm also confused about if ET is a cancer or not. I've been looking on the internet and a lot of people are saying it is but I too would like some clarification. Angela
  • Offline in reply to Todd1948

    I have been confused about whether ET is a cancer or not, since I was diagnosed in 2015.  The first consultant I saw, on the day bone marrow was taken from me, bluntly said "you have cancer" & I nearly fell off my chair.  I returned to see a different consultant the next week, & when I told her I'd had a bad week because of the diagnosis, she said "it's not cancer"!  Only this week I have been researching travel insurance, where there is always the question "have you been diagnosed with a cancerous condition?".  Not knowing how to reply to this, I rang my consultant's secretary who put me through to a registrar at the hospital & she told me this is NOT a cancerous condition!!  I wish the doctors would make their minds up!

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