Khaberni - Bruises usually appear as a result of injury or pressure on the skin, but sometimes they may be an indicator of a more serious health issue if they appear without a clear reason or are accompanied by other symptoms, which raises concerns among some people.
In this context, "Al-Konsulto" explains the appearance of bruises that could indicate the presence of cancer and when they should raise concern, according to Dr. Sharif Hetta, a consultant in public health and preventive medicine.
Dr. Hetta explains that bruises that might be linked to the presence of certain types of cancer, especially blood cancers like leukemias, tend to appear frequently without any injury or friction. They are usually large in size and have a dark color, leaning towards purple or intense blue. Furthermore, these bruises typically appear in unusual places, such as the back, abdomen, or arms, not just on the legs as is the case with traditional bruises. This is due to a shortage of platelets caused by a disorder in the bone marrow, leading to easy bleeding under the skin.
The public health consultant also mentions that bruises linked to cancer may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, frequent bleeding from the nose or gums, weight loss, or recurring infections, stressing that the presence of these signs increases the likelihood of a problem with the blood cells.
Dr. Hetta confirms that these bruises do not disappear quickly as ordinary bruises do, but remain for a longer period and may slowly change color, due to the body’s weak ability to produce platelets and heal small blood vessels. Regarding how to deal with bruises that raise concern, Dr. Hetta offers several guidelines for when abnormal bruises are noticed, including: 1- Visiting a doctor immediately if bruises appear without a clear reason or recur prominently. 2- Conducting a complete blood count (CBC) to check the level of platelets and the functions of blood cells. 3- Monitoring any accompanying symptoms such as fatigue or abnormal bleeding. 4- Avoiding taking painkillers that reduce platelets, such as aspirin, without consulting a doctor. 5- Focusing on a diet that supports blood health, such as foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
