Does acute myeloid leukaemia cause easy bruising?

Acute myeloid leukaemia affects the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. When abnormal cells crowd the marrow, it may make fewer healthy platelets. With fewer platelets available, small blood-vessel injuries may bleed under the skin more readily, causing bruises or tiny red-purple spots. Other blood-count changes can cause tiredness, pale skin, fever, or repeated infections. Easy bruising also has many other explanations, including medicines, nutritional problems, liver disease, and everyday knocks, so it cannot identify the cause on its own.

Arrange a medical appointment if bruises are new, increasing, unusually large, or appearing without a clear injury. Note when they began, where they occur, and whether you also have nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavier menstrual bleeding, fever, or marked tiredness. Do not stop a prescribed blood-thinning medicine without medical advice. A clinician may examine your skin and request a blood count to investigate platelet levels and other blood cells.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, vomiting or coughing blood, black stools, severe headache, confusion, weakness, or a sudden widespread rash of pinpoint spots. Fever with feeling very unwell also needs prompt assessment, especially if a blood disorder is possible. Until assessed, avoid activities likely to cause injury and use a soft toothbrush.

Ask which blood tests are needed, whether any medicine or supplement could contribute to bruising, and what type of bleeding should lead you to emergency care. Mention any family history of bleeding problems and bring a list of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines.