Bleeding and bruising during cancer treatment

For patients undergoing cancer treatment, bruises on the skin are inevitable. Let's find out why there is bleeding and bruising during cancer treatment?

Normally, if you are injured, your body will form a blood clot to stop the bleeding. Blood clots are formed by platelets (a type of blood cell) and special proteins called clotting factors. A bruise during cancer treatment is a discoloration of the skin caused by blood under the skin's surface.
Bruising on the skin occurs when an injury ruptures the small blood vessels under the skin. Platelets and clotting factors also help form clots to stop bleeding. When your blood has fewer platelets than usual, bruising and uncontrolled bleeding will occur more often.
Some drugs used to treat cancer along with some treatments can lower the number of platelets in your body or prevent clotting factors from working properly. When this happens, you run the risk of bleeding during cancer treatment and easy bruising on your skin. When you have bleeding and bruising during cancer treatment, immediately notify your doctor for more optimal treatment.

When suffering from a malignant disease, cancer means that the patient's health condition has deteriorated a lot. The immune system is weakened, the parts of the body cannot perform their maximum duties. Therefore, it is difficult to avoid bleeding and bruising during cancer treatment. Some of the methods below may help reduce the chances of bleeding during cancer treatment and prevent bruising.
Avoid certain drugs. Many medicines contain aspirin or ibuprofen, or certain vitamins, which can increase the risk of bleeding. If unsure, check the ingredients and consult a medical professional before use. Limit, do not use alcohol, stimulants during cancer treatment to avoid the risk of reducing platelet count. Be very careful in daily life to prevent bleeding because once bleeding will be very difficult to stop bleeding. Even if you are indoors, wear shoes. Be very careful when using sharp objects. Use lip balms and creams to prevent dry and chapped skin and lips. Take care of bleeding or bruised wounds. If it starts to bleed, use a clean cloth to press firmly on the spot. Continue pressing until the bleeding stops. If you have a bruise, apply ice to the area. Avoid strenuous sports activities. Treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, or sports can put pressure on the skin to create bruises. Patients should consult their doctor before undertaking such therapies. There are some quick tips to stop bleeding such as: Gargle with ice cold water when bleeding gums. If you have a nosebleed, sit up straight, squeeze the nostrils with your index finger and thumb for 5 to 10 minutes. The condition of bleeding that does not stop for about 10 minutes requires medical attention to be controlled by a more specific method.

If the cancer patient has problems such as bleeding, unusual bruising, or small purple or red spots. These spots are called hemorrhagic spots, need to immediately go to medical centers and hospitals for medical help. Sometimes a low platelet count can cause more serious symptoms such as:
Bleeding that doesn't stop after a few minutes Bleeding from the nose and mouth or vomiting blood Red or pink urine during heavier periods or lasts longer than usual Black or bloody stools Bleeding from your mouth, nose, or vomiting Changes in your head or vision, such as a severe headache or vision changes, you are confused or very sleepy .

To find a treatment for bleeding and bruising, the doctor must first determine the cause of the bleeding. The steps taken may include:
Ask the patient and do a complete physical examination. The doctor will look for signs of bleeding and examine the abdomen to see if the spleen is enlarged. Blood clotting tests: Your doctor may perform a lumbar puncture to find out the cause of your thrombocytopenia.

Some ways to treat bleeding and bruising during cancer treatment:
If the low platelet count is a side effect of the medication, stopping the medication may solve the problem. Blood Transfusion: A blood transfusion replaces lost platelets with someone else's platelets. Platelets are administered intravenously to the patient through a central or peripheral vein. It is best during cancer treatment if there are any health problems, patients should go to medical facilities to be examined by a doctor and have timely indications. Avoid letting the disease progress for a long time, causing serious health effects.
Vinmec International General Hospital is always at the forefront of medical services with a team of highly qualified, well-trained doctors, and a system of modern equipment. The hospital has many specialties with its own advantages, so customers completely trust the medical quality at Vinmec.