Nose bleeds and cancer

Nose bleeds and cancer

Nosebleed is a condition also known as epistaxis. This problem happens when there is injury or trauma on the tissues of the nose causing them to bleed. Bleeding in the front of the nose can let you see the blood but when it occurs at the back of the nose it is slow and steady and can be quite severe too. Front nosebleeds are more common than the back ones.  There are many reasons why nosebleeds could occur. Let’s have a look at them.

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]Reasons for nose bleeds

  • Low platelets or bleeding disorders
  • High blood pressure
  • Trauma or injury in the head, face, around nose or an accident where the patient has fallen down
  • Patient is struck by a blunt object
  • Damage to the nose membranes by too b=much blowing of nose or too much blowing of nose by force
  • Breakdown of membranes or irritation in membranes due to dryness in the air or dry weather.
  • People with frequent nose bleeds could be having problems like blood clots, any kind of cancer.
  • Frequent nose bleeds are a sign of low blood platelets or blood clots.
  • Red dots on lower leg skin get developed which are called Petechiae
  • Overtly tired feelings, weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained bruising or nosebleeds.

Symptoms of nose bleeds

Nosebleeds and cancer

Sudden nosebleeds don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Most nose bleeds are caused by the rupture, irritation or slight damage to the minor blood vessels in the nose. It might also be due to high blood pressure. The common nose bleeds improvise with time and come under control. Gentle ise of spray saline is very useful for this kind of nosebleed.  Frequent nosebleeds might indicate towards platelet and blood clotting disorders like Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Pupura (ITP). The kinds of cancer forms that are linked to the regular nosebleeds are given below.

Nasal cancer

Regular nosebleeds of the nasal cavity or sinuses happen in this kind of cancer. The cell types that the nasal cavity is made up of develop genetic mutations and divide to form a tumour eventually leading to nosebleeds.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a group of blood cancers that affect the white blood cells. The most common of them is the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia. It involves cells in the bone marrow and the circulating white blood cells. CLL leads to nose bleedings.

Hodgkin’s Lyphoma

This is another form of cancer that leads to nosebleeds. Hodgkin’s Lyphoma originates in the lymph nodes and leads to enlarged ones spreading throughout the body. The most noticeable ones are in the neck, groin and armpit areas.