When the marrow doesn’t make enough platelets, the platelet count in your blood is too low. Cancer treatments — such as chemotherapy and some radiation therapy — can slow the production of platelets in the bone marrow and temporarily cause a low platelet count.
What cancers cause low platelets?
Some cancers that may have a more direct impact on platelets also include:
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- Chronic lymphocyte leukemia (CLL)
- CD8 T-lymphocyte large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL)
What are the dangers of low platelets?
What Are the Dangers of Low Platelets?
- Internal Hemorrhage. The brain and the gastrointestinal tract rank as the two most common internal hemorrhage sites associated with low platelet levels, according to Judith Schilling McCann in the book ...
- Skin Eruptions. ...
- Cardiac Tamponade. ...
- Prolonged Bleeding Times. ...
Does a low blood count mean I have cancer?
A person with cancer can develop a low WBC count from the cancer or from treatment for the cancer. Cancer may be in the bone marrow, causing fewer neutrophils to be made. The WBC count can also go down when cancer is treated with chemotherapy drugs, which slow bone marrow production of healthy WBCs.
What do you need to know about living with low platelets?
Managing Low Platelets
- Avoid medications that contain aspirin, anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen), or blood thinners, unless your healthcare professional recommends otherwise. ...
- Use an electric razor to shave, which may result in fewer nicks and cuts.
- Use extra care when working with sharp objects such as knives or scissors, so as not to accidentally cut yourself.
What does it mean when a cancer patient's platelets are low?
Low platelets can lead to easy bruising and bleeding and are a consequence of certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation. Low platelets can lead to easy bruising and bleeding and are a consequence of certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation.
What platelet count is too low for chemo?
When chemotherapy causes low platelet counts, the dose may have to be lowered or the length of time between chemotherapy cycles may have to be longer. If your platelet count is less than 20,000/mm3 and you are bleeding or have a lot of bruising, you may need a platelet transfusion.
How low can platelets go before treatment?
Treatment. If your platelet count is 10,000 mcL or less, you may need a transfusion of platelets to raise your platelet count. You may also need to have a transfusion if: Your platelet count is higher than 10,000 mcL.
At what level do platelets if they are below put the patient at risk for serious bleeding?
Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter.
Can low platelets cause death?
If left untreated, a low platelet count can be very serious because it can cause internal bleeding of the brain or the intestines. In the worst cases, this may even cause death. That is why it is essential to seek medical care if you think you might be at risk.
Which cancers cause low platelets?
Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can lower your platelet count. The abnormal cells in these cancers can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow, where platelets are made. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone.
Can you live with zero platelets?
Platelets are necessary to help the blood to clot. Anytime a blood vessel is damaged and leaks blood, the odd-shaped and sticky platelets clump together to plug the leak and prevent ongoing blood loss. Without enough platelets, we would quickly bleed to death.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count?
One of the most common causes of low platelets is a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Do low platelets make you feel tired?
Things to know about thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue, bleeding, and others.
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 platelet count requires transfusion?
Typically, platelet counts are performed each morning and if the count is below 10,000/µL, a platelet transfusion is given.
How long will a platelet transfusion last?
Transfused platelets have an expected life-span of 3-4 days. This may be significantly reduced due to immune refractoriness, consumption, or sequestration. Common causes of suboptimal platelet count increments include ongoing bleeding, DIC, sepsis, fever, and hypersplenism.
Why is my platelet count low?
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:
What is low platelet count?
Low Platelet Count (Bleeding) Platelets are blood cells called thrombocytes and help your blood clot, so you stop bleeding. Low platelet count is also called thrombocytopenia. When your platelet levels are lower than normal, your blood isn’t able to clot as it should, putting you at a higher risk for excessive bleeding.
Why do you need a platelet transfusion?
A platelet transfusion might be needed in some patients with cancer who have a low platelet count. Platelets may be given to prevent bleeding when the platelet count is very low, or they may be given if a patient has some unusual bleeding to help stop it.
What to do if you have a bleed?
If bleeding starts, stay calm. Sit or lie down and get help.
What pain medicine should I avoid if I have cancer?
Stay away from anti-inflammatory pain medicines, such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen (Motrin ®, Advil ®, Naprosyn ®, Aleve ®, Midol ®) and medicines like them unless your cancer team tells you to use them. Check with your pharmacist if you’re not sure whether a medicine is in this class of drugs, or if it contains one of them.
How to stop bleeding from mouth?
If your mouth is bleeding, rinse it a few times with ice water.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Certain types or cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy that is used in large amounts or in combination with chemotherapy
What is the normal platelet count?
They are made in your bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy center in most of your large bones. A normal platelet count is 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) of blood.
When do you need a platelet transfusion?
You may also need to have a transfusion if your platelet count is higher than 10,000 mcL and you’re having a lot of bleeding, an invasive procedure (going into the body through a cut, slit, or puncture), or signs of other disorders. If you bleed a lot during your monthly period, talk with your doctor.
What are the signs of bleeding?
Call your doctor if you develop any signs of bleeding, such as: Unusual bruising. A faint red rash on your chest, abdomen (belly), arms, or legs. Heavy bleeding during your period . Broken blood vessels in the white of your eye (sclera) Back to top.
Can cancer lower platelet count?
Cancer and cancer treatments can lower your platelet counts. When your platelet counts are low, you’re at risk for bleeding. If your doctor has told you that you have a low platelet count, it’s very important to try to avoid getting hurt. We have listed some general ways you can prevent bleeding.
Why is my platelet count low?
As noted earlier, a low platelet count is sometimes due to more than one cause during cancer treatment. Looking at platelet counts over time (serial platelet measurements) can often be helpful in understanding whether chemotherapy alone is the culprit.
How much platelet count is needed for chemo?
For those going through chemotherapy, levels of even 50,000 to 100,000 may result in a delay of chemotherapy.
What is the most common treatment for thrombocytopenia?
Platelet transfusions are the most common method of treating thrombocytopenia, especially short-term thrombocytopenia related to chemotherapy drugs. Transfusions can be used as a therapy (to increase platelets in those who are actively bleeding) or preventively (for those with a low or expected low platelet count but who are not bleeding).
How long does it take for thrombocytopenia to go down after chemo?
Thrombocytopenia related to chemotherapy is often a short term problem. Platelet levels begin to drop around one week after a chemotherapy session and reach the lowest level (the nadir) at around 14 days following an infusion. Platelets in the bloodstream live approximately eight to 10 days and are rapidly replenished.
What is thrombocytopenia treatment?
Treatment. Coping. Thrombocytopenia is defined as a decreased number of platelets in the blood. A low platelet count can, in turn, result in bleeding and/or the need to delay chemotherapy.
What is the purpose of a med to stimulate platelets?
Medications That Stimulate Platelet Formation. Medications are sometimes used to stimulate the bone marrow to make more platelets , though these are used infrequently in people who have thrombocytopenia due to chemotherapy, and there is currently little evidence to support their routine use. 2 .
Why do people get thrombocytopenia?
Causes During Cancer Treatment. The most common cause of thrombocytopenia in people with cancer is bone marrow suppression related to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow which become platelets. In addition to thrombocytopenia, bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy may result in ...
What causes a shortage of platelets in the bloodstream?
Increased breakdown of platelets. Some conditions can cause your body to use up or destroy platelets faster than they're produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream. Examples of such conditions include: Pregnancy. Thrombocytopenia caused by pregnancy is usually mild and improves soon after childbirth.
Why do platelets stop bleeding?
Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
How to tell if you have thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: 1 Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) 2 Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs 3 Prolonged bleeding from cuts 4 Bleeding from your gums or nose 5 Blood in urine or stools 6 Unusually heavy menstrual flows 7 Fatigue 8 Enlarged spleen
How many platelets are in thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body normally renews your platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs. Prolonged bleeding from cuts.
What to do if bleeding won't stop?
Bleeding that won't stop is a medical emergency. Seek immediate help for bleeding that can't be controlled by the usual first-aid techniques , such as applying pressure to the area.
What causes a sharp drop in platelets?
Hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare disorder causes a sharp drop in platelets, destruction of red blood cells and impairs kidney function. Medications. Certain medications can reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Sometimes a drug confuses the immune system and causes it to destroy platelets.
What happens when your platelet count is low?
When platelet counts are low, thrombocytopenia can set in and leave you at risk, most dangerously for internal bleeding. Platelets are just one of many cell types that make up the blood floating through your body. They are colorless, while the other components of blood, white cells and red cells, are characterized by their hue.
Why are my platelets low?
Some other causes of low platelet counts include: 1. Medication. A variety of medications have the ability to thin your blood and lower the count of blood-clotting platelets.
What is the medical term for a low platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia is the medical term used to describe a low platelet count. Blood platelets are the tiny cells responsible for clotting the blood when you cut yourself. They help stop bleeding by clumping together and acting as plugs when you experience a blood vessel injury. When platelet counts are low, thrombocytopenia can set in ...
How long do platelets stay in the blood?
Blood platelets are produced in the bone marrow and remain in the blood for roughly 10 days until they are naturally destroyed.
What are the factors that affect platelet count?
Environmental toxins can also play a role in platelet count, and they can be both naturally occurring and man-made.#N#Their effect usually comes by way of exacerbating an existing autoimmune condition. These can include products like pesticides, herbicides, plastics, toxins produced by grains and mushrooms, polyurethane, and wood preservatives.
What is the color of thrombocytopenia?
They are colorless, while the other components of blood, white cells and red cells, are characterized by their hue. Often the result of another health condition, thrombocytopenia typically appears alongside severe illnesses like leukemia or other illnesses that impact the immune system.
Can you have low platelets during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can also lead to a mild, temporary reduction in platelet count and production, but amounts typically go back to normal after delivery. Only about five percent of women experience low platelet counts during pregnancy.
Why is my platelet count low?
Bone marrow cancer and some other health conditions can also cause a low platelet count.
What happens if your bone marrow doesn't produce enough platelets?
Some things can affect how well the bone marrow can produce platelets. When the marrow doesn’t make enough platelets, the platelet count in your blood is too low.
Why is it important to have enough platelets in your blood?
It’s important to have enough platelets in your blood. If the number of platelets is too low, excessive bleeding can occur.
What are the cells that help blood clots?
Platelets — also called thrombocytes — are the cells that help your blood clot. The bone marrow produces them.
How to stop bleeding from over the counter?
It’s vital to avoid aspirin and other drugs that contain aspirin. If you’re not sure about a medicine, ask your doctor. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Is 20,000 platelets low?
A platelet count below 20,000 is very low. When it’s this low, you may bleed even when you’re not injured. Your doctor may order platelet transfusions until your count returns to a safe level.
What does low platelet count mean?
Platelets. Platelets help your blood to clot. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) means your body can't stop itself from bleeding.
How to check blood cell count for cancer?
Low blood cell counts are detected by examining a blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
What cancers grow in the bone marrow?
Cancers of the blood and bone marrow. Blood and bone marrow cancers, such as leukemia, grow in the bone marrow and don't allow normal blood cells to develop.
How to treat anemia?
Anemia can be relieved with a blood transfusion or with medication to increase your body's production of red blood cells.
What happens if you get radiation therapy?
If you receive radiation therapy to large areas of your body and especially to the large bones that contain the most bone marrow, such as your pelvis, legs and torso, you might experience low levels of red and white blood cells. Cancers of the blood and bone marrow.
Why do doctors check blood cells?
Your doctor may monitor your blood cell counts carefully during your cancer treatment. There's a good reason you're having your blood drawn so often — low blood cell counts put you at risk of serious complications.
Why is it important to monitor your blood count?
Monitoring your blood cell counts allows your doctor to prevent or reduce your risk of complications. The most serious complications of low blood cell counts include: Infection. With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils, you're at higher risk of developing an infection. And if you develop an infection ...
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.
What is a platelet transfusion?
A platelet transfusion (also called a platelet infusion) is used to prevent or stop ongoing bleeding in people with either low platelet count or poor platelet function. They are the most common way to treat thrombocytopenia, especially short-term thrombocytopenia that occurs as a result of chemotherapy drugs.
Is there a natural way to increase platelet levels?
There are some minerals and vitamins that can help increase a person’s platelet count naturally, although these are best obtained by eating foods naturally rich in them rather than by taking supplements, and include:
Do any foods or supplements decrease platelet levels?
Some foods and supplements have been shown to reduce the number of platelets and these should be avoided. They include:
Symptoms
- Thrombocytopenia is defined as a decreased number of platelets in the blood. A low platelet count can, in turn, result in bleeding and/or the need to delay chemotherapy. Thrombocytopenia is usually defined as less than 150,000 platelets per cubic millimeter of blood on a complete blood count, although significant bleeding does not usually occur unt...
Prevention
- While less often a problem than issues such as a low white blood cell count, a low platelet count can sometimes be serious, with some chemotherapy drugs more likely than others to result in low counts. Let's look at what you need to know about thrombocytopenia and what you can do yourself to reduce your risk of complications.
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will order a complete blood count (CBC) before and after chemotherapy to see if you have a low platelet level. You should let your doctor know if you develop any of the signs or symptoms of thrombocytopenia discussed above. Call her immediately if you have bleeding that you are unable to stop, severe abdominal or chest pain, a new headache, blurred vision or weakn…
Definitions
- A normal platelet count (thrombocyte count) is usually defined as having 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per cubic millimeter of blood. A level below 150,000 is considered abnormal, or thrombocytopenia.
Epidemiology
- Most of the time a level of platelets greater than 50,000 is not associated with any major problems. A level of 10,000 to 20,000 may sometimes cause bleeding, but most often counts can drop to 10,000 or less before causing significant bleeding.
Causes
- The most common cause of thrombocytopenia in people with cancer is bone marrow suppression related to chemotherapy. (See other causes below.) Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow which become platelets. In addition to thrombocytopenia, bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy may result in a low red blood …
Treatment
- Many chemotherapy drugs do not affect platelet levels to a degree which is significant enough to require treatment, but some drugs are much more likely than others to reduce counts. Drugs commonly associated with thrombocytopenia include: It's important to first determine the cause of your thrombocytopenia as there could be different reasons for your low platelet level which ar…
Prognosis
- Thrombocytopenia related to chemotherapy is often a short term problem. Platelet levels begin to drop around one week after a chemotherapy session and reach the lowest level (the nadir) at around 14 days following an infusion. Platelets in the bloodstream live approximately 8 to 10 days and are rapidly replenished. When levels are low, they most often return to normal in around 28 t…
Medical uses
- Platelet transfusions are the most common method of treating thrombocytopenia, especially short-term thrombocytopenia related to chemotherapy drugs. Transfusions can be used as a therapy (to increase platelets in those who are actively bleeding) or preventatively (for those with a low or expected low platelet count but who are not bleeding). The most common side effect is …
Research
- Clinical trials are ongoing, looking at other methods to lower the risk of thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy.
Interactions
- There are several categories of medications that can increase bleeding, and hence, be additive with a low platelet count from chemotherapy. Certainly blood thinners, such as anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs can be a problem. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil (ibuprofen) as well as aspirin also raise risk. It's important to note that many over-the-coun…
Risks
- Alcoholic beverages can increase bleeding time. Drinking in excess also increases the risk of injuries that could lead to bleeding.
Management
- Low platelet counts due to chemotherapy can often be managed conservatively, that is, by paying attention to symptoms and avoiding things that could risk bleeding. At times, however, thrombocytopenia will need to be treated. Being aware of your lab results, and keeping careful records, can help you be your own advocate in your care and recognize concerns before they be…