Thrombocythemia, also known as essential thrombocythemia (ET), is a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are crucial for blood clotting and wound healing. In patients with thrombocythemia, the bone marrow produces too many platelets, which can lead to significant health issues such as blood clots, bleeding, and other complications.