Can radiation cause a low platelet count?
Radiation therapy does not usually cause a low platelet count. But your platelet levels may go down if you receive a large amount of radiation therapy to your pelvis or if you have radiation therapy and chemotherapy at the same time.
What is a normal platelet count for a person getting chemotherapy?
A normal platelet count for a person getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy is 20,000 to 50,000. Thrombocytopenia (throm bo sigh toe PEE nee ya) means a low platelet count. When the platelet count is low, there is more of a chance of bleeding.
What is a normal platelet count for a diabetic patient?
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 - 400,000 per mm3 of blood (some institutions prefer an upper range of 450,000 per mm3). While receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your platelet count may drop.
How will my platelet count be checked during treatment?
Your platelet count will be checked through a blood test during the course of your treatments. Any time your platelet count drops below 50,000 per mm3, you are considered to be at increased risk for bleeding. If your platelet count drops below 10,000 per mm3 (may vary depending on your situation), you may require a transfusion of platelets.
Does radiation therapy cause low platelets?
Radiation therapy does not usually cause a low platelet count. But your platelet levels may go down if you receive a large amount of radiation therapy to your pelvis or if you have radiation therapy and chemotherapy at the same time.
How long does it take for platelets to increase after radiation?
Platelets in the bloodstream live approximately eight to 10 days and are rapidly replenished. When levels are low, they most often return to normal in around 28 to 35 days (unless another chemotherapy infusion is received), but may take up to 60 days to reach pre-treatment levels.
Does radiation therapy affect blood counts?
Radiation therapy can also cause low white blood cell counts, which increases the risk for infections.
What does low platelets mean in cancer patients?
Your platelet count may be low if the body is not making enough platelets, losing platelets, or platelets are being destroyed. In patients with cancer, low platelet count may be caused by: Certain types of cancer: patients with lymphomas or leukemias may be at higher risk for low platelet counts.
What is the alarming level of platelets?
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia.
What is a dangerously low platelet count?
Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter. Though rare, severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal.
What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?
Fatigue is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy. It is believed to be caused by the large amount of energy that is used by the body to heal itself in response to radiation therapy. Most people begin to feel fatigued about 2 weeks after radiation treatments begin.
How long does it take for WBC to return to normal after radiation?
This is because your bone marrow restarts normal production of neutrophils. But it may take 3 to 4 weeks to reach a normal level again.
Why are blood tests done during radiation?
A blood count is done to look at the blood using very sensitive machines. The number and type of blood cells are counted and recorded. The results help your doctor plan your child's medical treatment.
What is the platelet count of cancer patients?
Patients with cancer often have an abnormally high platelet count at the time of diagnosis (thrombocytosis), defined as a platelet count greater than 450 × 109/L (to convert to ×103 per microliter, divide by 1.0).
How can cancer patients increase platelet count?
Official Answer. Having low platelets (the medical term is thrombocytopenia) during chemotherapy is reasonably common and the most common way to increase platelet count during chemotherapy is to either delay the next dose of chemotherapy or to have a platelet transfusion administered by your healthcare provider.
Is 70 a low platelet count?
A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low.
How can I raise my platelet count fast?
8 Things That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet CountEating more leafy greens. ... Eating more fatty fish. ... Increasing folate consumption. ... Avoiding alcohol. ... Eating more citrus. ... Consuming more iron-rich foods. ... Trying a chlorophyll supplement. ... Avoiding vitamin E and fish oil supplements.
How low can platelets go before death?
When the platelet count drops below 20,000, the patient may have spontaneous bleeding that may result in death.
Is 70 a low platelet count?
A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low.
Does turmeric increase platelet count?
Curcumin, a major component of turmeric, inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonate, adrenaline and collagen. This compound inhibited thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production from exogenous [14C] arachidonate in washed platelets with a concomitant increase in the formation of 12-lipoxygenase products.
What is the normal platelet count?
Platelet count is the number of platelets in the blood. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 350,000. If the number of platelets is too low, excessive bleeding can occur. The medical name for a low platelet count is thrombocytopenia (throm-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-nee-uh).
What to do if your platelet count is below 50,000?
For a low platelet count below 50,000, you must take precautions. Follow the guidelines below to help prevent or stop bleeding. Do not take any medicine, including over-the-counter drugs, without your doctor’s approval. It is very important to avoid aspirin and other drugs that contain aspirin.
What happens if you don't have enough platelets?
When not enough platelets are made, the platelet count in your blood is too low. Chemotherapy and some radiation therapy can cause this temporarily. These cancer treatments can slow the production of platelets in the bone marrow.
Why is my platelet count low?
Another cause of a low platelet count is cancer of the bone marrow. Other conditions can result in a low platelet count as well.
How to get rid of a low platelet count?
Do not have dental work without your doctor’s approval. If you must have dental work, tell your dentist that you have a low platelet count. Do not do heavy lifting, contact sports, or strenuous exercise. Do not walk in bare feet.
How to get a cut to bleed?
If you get a cut, place a clean cloth or a piece of gauze over the cut, then apply pressure for a few minutes. If your cut continues to bleed, lie down and stay calm. Keep applying pressure. If possible, use an ice pack to apply pressure. Get emergency care for any of the following: A large loss of blood.
Is a low platelet count bad?
A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low. When it’s this low, you may bleed even when you are not injured.
What happens if your platelet count drops below 50,000?
Any time your platelet count drops below 50,000 per mm3, you are considered to be at increased risk for bleeding. If your platelet count drops below 10,000 per mm3 (may vary depending on your situation), you may require a transfusion of platelets.
How to know if your platelet count is low?
Taking prompt action at the first signs of a low platelet count is essential as it may help to prevent a bleeding episode. The signs and symptoms of a low platelet count are: A lot of bruising on your skin. Tiny, pinpoint red spots on your skin called petechiae. Bleeding gums.
What is low platelet count?
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your body clot and stop bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is the term used when your platelet level is low. Radiation therapy, certain chemotherapy medications, and some cancers themselves can damage platelets and lead to thrombocytopenia.
How long does it take for blood to stop bleeding after pressure?
Call your care team immediately if you have any one or more of the following: Bleeding that does not stop after you have applied pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. Blood in your urine or your urine appears dark in color. Blood from your rectum, blood in your stool or if your stool is black. A change in your vision.
How to protect your feet from low platelets?
Wear shoes or slippers at all times to protect your feet . Do not wear tight-fitting clothing. Consult with your care team on the safety of sexual activity as it relates to your low platelet count. Talk with your healthcare providers if you have specific sexual practices that you are concerned about.
How to avoid bleeding?
Adjust your lifestyle to minimize the risk of bleeding: Avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects. Avoid sports and activities that could result in falling and/or injury, including but not limited to bicycling, roller-blading, skating and skiing.
Can radiation therapy cause thrombocytopenia?
Patients receiving a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy are at greater risk for thrombocytopenia. Because of platelets' important role in blood clotting, thrombocytopenia puts you at a higher risk of bleeding. Therefore, while you are receiving therapy, try to avoid any activities that could result in bleeding.
How is platelet count evaluated?
How Is Your Platelet Count Tested? Platelet counts are evaluated through a blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC. To run a CBC, a sample of blood is drawn. This blood sample is then put into a machine to count all the different types of cells in the blood.
What is a high platelet count?
High Platelet Count. A platelet count of over 450,000/mcL is called thrombocytosis. This can also be further classified into primary or secondary thrombocytosis, both of which are caused by the bone marrow producing too many platelets: 3.
What causes low platelets?
Platelet levels may be decreased for multiple reasons: 6 1 Bone marrow dysfunction: The bone marrow may not function properly and is not making enough platelets. 2 Enlarged spleen: Platelets may sit in the enlarged spleen and not be circulated out into the blood vessels. 3 Liver disease: This can cause platelet dysfunction and spleen enlargement. 4 Immune system destruction: Sometimes the immune system inappropriately sees platelets as foreign and destroys them. 5 Medications: These may include chemotherapy, antibiotics, seizure medication, and blood thinners.
What does it mean when your platelet volume is elevated?
The size of platelets is referred to as the MPV, or mean platelet volume. 7. If the MPV is elevated, that means the platelets are larger than normal. An elevated MPV may be found in the following instances: Heart disease. Artificial heart valves.
What is platelet in 2021?
Learn about our Medical Review Board. Douglas A. Nelson, MD. Published on June 15, 2021. Platelets are tiny cells made in the bone marrow. Platelets are very important, as they prevent bleeding by forming clots and sealing blood vessels if they become damaged.
What are the cells that help prevent bleeding?
Platelets are the cells in the blood that help prevent bleeding. These cells are made in the bone marrow. When a blood vessel becomes damaged, platelets are activated to stick together and to form a clot to seal the blood vessel wall to stop or prevent bleeding. 2.
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia may include: 6. Bleeding, such as from the gums when brushing teeth or in the stool. Heavy menstrual cycles.
When to wait for platelet count to be normal?
Before surgery. If you are preparing for surgery and have a low platelet count, you may need to wait until your platelet counts are normal again to have the operation. This lowers the risk of heavy bleeding. When platelet counts are very low, you may receive a transfusion.
What is platelet count?
A platelet count can be done as part of a blood test called a complete blood count. You may have a platelet count test done more often if you have certain types of cancer or treatments that may cause blood or bone marrow problems.
Why are platelets important?
Platelets help stop bleeding when needed. For example, if you cut yourself, platelets make the blood cells clump together, or clot. This blocks off the cut blood vessels so they can heal. Normal platelet levels in your blood are important for your health.
What causes low platelet count?
Cancer that spreads to the bone. Some cancers that spreads to the bone may cause a low platelet count. The cancer cells in the bones can make it difficult for the bone marrow inside of bones to make platelets. Cancer in the spleen. Your spleen is an organ in your body.
How long does a platelet transfusion last?
However, this is a temporary treatment. The platelets from a transfusion only last about 3 days.
What does it mean when your platelets are low?
Platelets are one of these types of blood cells. The medical terms for a low level of platelets are "low platelet count" or "thrombocytopenia."
What is the blood test for cancer?
You will have regular blood tests when you have cancer to monitor your overall health. One test is called a platelet count. It checks the number of platelets in your blood, and shows if the count is low. A platelet count can be done as part of a blood test called a complete blood count.
How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?
Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.
How long does radiation side effects last?
Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...
How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?
Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.
What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?
The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.
What is the best treatment for radiation?
One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.
What are the side effects of brachytherapy?
If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.
How to take care of your mouth during radiation?
Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.
How often should you check for radiation?
During your treatment, your radiation oncologist will check how well it is working. Typically, this will happen at least once a week. If needed, they may adjust your treatment plan.
What to expect when getting radiation therapy?
What to Expect When Having Radiation Therapy. It is normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when you learn that you will need radiation therapy. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and comfortable.
What type of doctor is responsible for radiation therapy?
Radiation oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. Radiation oncology nurse.
What is simulation in radiation therapy?
Simulating and planning treatment. Your first radiation therapy session is a simulation. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy. Your team will use imaging scans to identify the tumor location.
How long does radiation therapy last?
It is the most common radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body.
Why is it important to be in the same position for radiation?
It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy.
What is informed consent for radiation?
Giving permission for radiation therapy. If you choose to receive radiation therapy, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. Signing the document means: Your team gave you information about your treatment options. You choose to have radiation therapy.
What are the side effects of radiation?
Short Term Side Effects 1 Skin irritation in the treatment area is common. It may become red, irritated, dry, or sensitive. This may start to look like a sunburn. Treat the skin gently to avoid further irritation, and bathe carefully, using only warm water and mild soap. Do not use scented lotions or soaps, as these may cause more irritation. 2 Fatigue is very common with radiation treatment and tends to begin a few weeks into therapy. Fatigue often goes away slowly over the weeks and months after treatment. 3 Irritation to the rectal and urinary tract tissue can cause changes to your bowel and urine habits. It can cause urinary urgency, diarrhea, incontinence, or pain with bowel movements or urination. These symptoms tend to resolve within a few weeks of finishing treatment. Drink plenty of fluids. Talk to your provider about ways to manage these symptoms. In some patients, these problems can last after treatment. 4 Loss of hair in the pelvic area. Hair typically starts to regrow a month or so after treatment. However, your hair might not grow back exactly as it was before treatment and for some, the hair may not ever grow back. 5 Reduced blood counts, including neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
How long does it take for radiation side effects to go away?
Side effects from radiation treatment are related to the area of the body being treated. Patients start to have side effects a few weeks into their treatment. While side effects may be unpleasant, there are treatments to help deal with them. Most side effects are temporary and slowly start to go away once treatment is done.
What to talk about after cancer treatment?
After treatment, talk with your oncology team about receiving a survivorship care plan , which can help you manage the transition to survivorship and learn about life after cancer.
How to treat sunburn after radiation?
This may start to look like a sunburn. Treat the skin gently to avoid further irritation, and bathe carefully, using only warm water and mild soap. Do not use scented lotions or soaps, as these may cause more irritation. Fatigue is very common with radiation treatment and tends to begin a few weeks into therapy.
Can radiation therapy cause prostate cancer?
Patients who receive any type of radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy) to treat their prostate cancer can have side effects . “Short term” side effects are ones that start during or shortly after your radiation treatment. Below is a list of possible short term side effects. Treatments can affect each patient differently, and you may not have these particular side effects. Talk with your care team about what you can expect from your treatment
Can radiation cause dry orgasm?
Talk to your oncology team about sperm banking if you wish to have a child in the future. Erectile dysfunction or dry orgasm can occur after radiation therapy.
Does radiation kill prostate cancer?
Possible Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer. The radiation used to destroy cancer cells can also hurt normal cells in the nearby area. Side effects from radiation treatment are related to the area of the body being treated. Patients start to have side effects a few weeks into their treatment.