ITP

SO I'm 16, I've had ITP Since I was 13 or 12. i get CBC EVERY 2-3 weeks since then.Its now been diagnosed as "Chronic ITP", and my main concern is if, it will turn into any cancerous thing?. I've looked into in but i can't find answers, i only have a couple family members that died from cancer. Can any one answer my question? or give advise? -HELP?!

I'm a mom of a former ITP teen. I'm a worry wart mom, and read everything I could get my hands on about ITP when my daughter was diagnosed. I've never heard of anyone whose ITP turned into, or predisposed them to, cancer. (There are other conditions that can coexist with ITP, and your doctors have probably ruled that out in the time since your diagnosis. Once my daughter was diagnosed as chronic, she had a bone marrow test to be sure there were no cancers, "pre-cancers," or bone marrow disorders, and to explore additional treatment options if needed.) You say you are getting regular CBCs. Are you seeing a hematologist periodically? If so, discuss this fear openly with him or her, and the doctor should be able to give you some reassurance. If you aren't seeing a hematologist, try to get a consultation with one, since they see more ITP patients than do general doctors. How are your counts? BTW, don't give up hope for remission. My daughter was nearing her 13th birthday when she was diagnosed. She was later labeled chronic, then went into remission in the third year. The counts still fluctuated, but in a safe range, for a while, and she's had good solid normal counts for at least two years now. It can happen. Best wishes.
Norma

I'd like to repeat what Norma said. ITP does not, and cannot, turn into cancer. Two entirely different things. Low platelets can be a symptom of cancer, but that is not the same thing as ITP. If you had low platelets due to cancer, they surely would know by now.

I think everyone has several relatives who have died from cancer. It's a common occurrence. I have quite a few in my family too.

ITP can always go into remission and often does. Chronic does not always mean lifelong....it just means that you've had it for longer than a year.