Thursday 18th February 2021 It is important for primary care practitioners to explore and assess peripheral neuropathy carefully by evaluating the level of impact on the patient, both physically and emotionally. Many individuals receiving chemotherapy are nervous...
Cancer Keys: Leukaemia and Bruising
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Leukaemia is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow, leading to the over production of white blood cells. This can negatively affect the blood’s platelet count and in turn, impact the blood’s ability to clot.
Potential Pitfall
Many of us experience bruising, with presentation common in groups such as the elderly population (with thinner skin and more fragile tissue), or active young adults or children playing regular sport. However, patients presenting with bruising without a clear cause should be reason for further consideration.
Helpful hint
A reduced platelet count caused by leukaemia can reduce a patient’s clotting ability. As a result, they may present with unexplained bruising.
NICE NG12 guidelines advise consider a very urgent full blood count (within 48 hours) to assess for leukaemia in children, young people or adults with unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Cancer Keys brought to you by GatewayC.
Download this Cancer Key here.
Access GatewayC’s course on early diagnosis of chronic leukaemia here.

Latest from the Blog
Assessing peripheral neuropathy
Thursday 18th February 2021 It is important for primary care practitioners to explore and assess peripheral neuropathy carefully by evaluating the level of impact on the patient, both physically and emotionally. Many individuals receiving chemotherapy are nervous...
Cancer Keys: Ovarian Cancer and New-Onset Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Potential pitfall: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder and can mimic the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Helpful hint: NICE NG12 guidelines recommend carrying out appropriate tests for ovarian cancer in any woman of 50 or over who has experienced symptoms...
Related Posts
Cancer Keys: COVID-19 and Neutropenic Sepsis
Neutropenic sepsis is a potentially fatal complication of anticancer treatment (particularly chemotherapy). Helpful hint: NICE have produced a COVID-19 rapid guideline on the delivery of systemic anticancer treatments. If patients present with COVID-19 symptoms this...
Cancer Keys: Pancreatic Cancer and New-Onset Diabetes
Potential pitfall: In the early course of the disease, pancreatic cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, sudden onset diabetes in groups of patients for whom this would be unexpected can be an early indicator. Helpful hint: NICE NG12 guidelines recommend...