I keep getting unexplained bruising..DF had leukaemia..should I get it checked

[MrsGrindah]

Feel pathetic going to GP cos of a bruise. But I can’t help but worry as Dad passed away from leukaemia complications. I know it’s not hereditary though but I’ve definitely developed this in the last six months.They appear overnight, horribly black and last for ages.They are in odd places too. Will GP think I’m a time waster?

Nope.

I’d definitely go. It’s exactly what the GP is there for. Put your mind at rest!

Off you go. That's what a GP is for. Good luck OP.

Thanks both of you. I’ll have to take photos I think in case they fade before the appointment. They are in places like my inner arm, the centre of my thigh etc ie places you don’t bang

I would go, you will be looked at and monitored if needs be and it'll also give you piece of mind... Good luck 💐

Sorry forgot to add, taking pictures or writing things down is a very good idea!
I did this when I had a Dermertalogy concern and the Dermertalogist was very impressed as it helped her massively to look back at things that had faded or gone and it also backed up with what I was trying to explain, and the reasons for my concerns.

Yes, go to GP.

And mention if you have had any of the other symptoms (as you probably know already - all rather non-specific: night sweats, other unusual bleeding eg gums, nosebleeds; fatigue, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, frequent and/or hard-to-shift infections)

It’s a very straightforward blood test to rule leukaemia in of out.

I hope you get an all clear. But if not, still don’t panic - treatments for some leukaemia have been utterly transformed in recent years (kinder, more effective)

Fingers crossed for you

There's an info guide here.

Says that what makes leukemia bruising distinctive is in unusual places, quite dramatic looking, no history of trauma, lots of them, slow to disappear....

I thought there were other bundles of symptoms usually present (nausea, fatigue, rash, chills, sweats, headaches) but maybe they come later.

Thanks all . Have taken a photo and going to ring drs tomorrow

I definitely don’t have the other symptoms so I feel better just knowing this.

There are other reasons for unexplained bruising that would be worth knowing about & getting treatment for. Like simple iron anemia.

It could be ITP. My son had that and had random bruising and a rash

How did it go?

How did you get on op? definitely worth getting it checked out. I had lots of bruising and discovered I had blood cancer (myleodisplastic syndrome). I did have some other symptoms though. Hope you are okay and they don't find anything that is cause for concern