How does chemotherapy cause blood clots and bruising?
Platelets are the blood cells that help stop bleeding by clotting your blood. Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow, where platelets are produced. If your blood has a platelet deficiency, you may bleed or bruise more easily than usual, even without an injury. Bleeding is considered a potentially life-threatening side effect. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends consulting your physician right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: • unexplained or unexpected bruising • small, red spots under the skin • bleeding from your gums • bleeding from your nose • reddish or pinkish urine • black or bloody bowel movements.
