HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Are Individual And Isolated Petechiae Signs Of Leukemia?

default
Posted on Sat, 27 Dec 2014
Question: Are individual, rather isolated petechiae (NOT a rash) a cause for concern regarding leukemia? By that, I mean one or two in an area, and then another one or two in another distant area, with each one in said area about an inch away from the other?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not if no other symptoms

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

No, it does not indicate a necesary diagnosis if leukemia.
It is caused by bleeding or a small break in the capillaries (very small blood vessels).
The causes are trauma, infection, side effect of medications (causing decrease in platelets), vasculitis, leukemia or lymphoma causing decreased platelets.

Leukemia would present with intermittent fever, weight loss, night sweats, change in appetite, recurrent infections, fatigue, bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes (neck, arm, axilla, groin).
The bleeding would normally be seen as- cuts or bruises that bleed for longer than normal. Bruises that do not resolve in the normal time frame.

If you have these additional symptoms along with the petechiae then investigations should be conducted but if NONE of these are present then leukemia or lymphoma is highly unlikely.

If none of these are present then you can monitor for now.

Additional investigations would include a complete blood count to look at the platelets and white cell count.
Further tests may depend on this result. ( ESR, clotting factors etc)

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 days later)
Does the fact that they're not in rash form/more isolated suggest it's less likely to be a serious underlying cause as well?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
HI

If it were leukemia/lymphoma then your symptoms would worsen in the absence of any treatment.
Any associated skin changes would become more wide spread.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Are Individual And Isolated Petechiae Signs Of Leukemia?

Brief Answer: not if no other symptoms Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic No, it does not indicate a necesary diagnosis if leukemia. It is caused by bleeding or a small break in the capillaries (very small blood vessels). The causes are trauma, infection, side effect of medications (causing decrease in platelets), vasculitis, leukemia or lymphoma causing decreased platelets. Leukemia would present with intermittent fever, weight loss, night sweats, change in appetite, recurrent infections, fatigue, bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes (neck, arm, axilla, groin). The bleeding would normally be seen as- cuts or bruises that bleed for longer than normal. Bruises that do not resolve in the normal time frame. If you have these additional symptoms along with the petechiae then investigations should be conducted but if NONE of these are present then leukemia or lymphoma is highly unlikely. If none of these are present then you can monitor for now. Additional investigations would include a complete blood count to look at the platelets and white cell count. Further tests may depend on this result. ( ESR, clotting factors etc) I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions