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Medical glossary

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia means too few platelets, the cells that help blood clot.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A blood smear with a purple platelet among red blood cells
Figure 1.A platelet — the cell that helps blood clot

01Short answer

Platelets fall when leukaemia fills the bone marrow or after chemotherapy. Signs include easy bruising, petechiae, and nose or gum bleeds. At very low levels a platelet transfusion may be given. During this time, avoid falls and sharp objects, and do not take painkillers (such as aspirin) without your doctor's agreement.

02Simple explanation

Too few platelets.

Bleeding risk.

Transfusion is possible.

Be careful.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: thrombocytopenia is a lower-than-normal number of platelets in the blood.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Signs

Bruises, petechiae and bleeding.

Sealing a gap
Figure 2.Sealing a gap — Thrombocytopenia

Urgent

Bleeding that will not stop, black stools or a severe headache: get help at once.

A transfusion
Figure 3.A transfusion — Thrombocytopenia

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
SignsBruises, petechiae and bleeding.
UrgentBleeding that will not stop, black stools or a severe headache: get help at once.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Platelet
A blood cell that helps clotting.
Transfusion
Giving a blood component.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Which medicines should I avoid?

Agree every medicine with your doctor.

Can I exercise?

Light activity; ask your team.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Which medicines should I avoid?

  2. Can I exercise?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: thrombocytopenia
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: platelet
  3. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: karyotyping
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytogenetics
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukopenia
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: anemia
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: red blood cell
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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