But your platelet levels may go down if you receive a large amount of radiation therapy to your pelvis or if you have radiation therapy and chemotherapy at the same time.Īntibodies. Radiation therapy does not usually cause a low platelet count. It is rare that chemotherapy permanently damages bone marrow cells. A low platelet count from chemotherapy is usually temporary. This is the tissue inside your bones where your body makes platelets. Some types of cancer medications, such as chemotherapy, damage bone marrow. There are several common causes, including:Ĭhemotherapy. This type of care is called palliative care or supportive care. Managing a low platelet count and other cancer side effects is an important part of your medical care and treatment. When you have a low platelet count, your body may have difficulty stopping bleeding from a nosebleed or a cut. More bruises, or worse bruises, than usual If you have any of these signs, talk to your health care team right away: A simple blood test could find this condition before you notice any changes. If your platelet count is low, you may not have any symptoms or signs. What are the signs of a low platelet count? For example, chemotherapy can lower your platelet count. A low platelet count is a common side effect of cancer and treatment. You can develop a low platelet count if your body does not make enough platelets or if your body loses or destroys platelets. Normal platelet levels in your blood are important for your health.
This blocks off the cut blood vessels so they can heal. For example, if you cut yourself, platelets make the blood cells clump together, or clot.
Platelets help stop bleeding when needed.
The medical terms for a low level of platelets are "low platelet count" or "thrombocytopenia." Platelets are one of these types of blood cells. When you have cancer or when you receive treatment for cancer, your levels of certain blood cells can go below normal.