An expert has issued a warning about a “common” symptom of a potentially fatal cancer that can manifest on the hands. Leukaemia UK’s director of research and advocacy, Simon Ridley, highlighted that bruising on the hands could be an indicator of leukaemia.
Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that primarily affects the cells in your bone marrow, often impacting white blood cells. In the UK, approximately 9,900 new cases of leukaemia are diagnosed each year, and the disease is responsible for around 4,800 deaths annually.
Early detection of symptoms is crucial for timely treatment and support. Simon elaborated on what symptoms people should be vigilant about, reports the Express.
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“One of the common warning signs and symptoms of leukaemia is bruising,” he noted. Such bruising might be dismissed as the result of a minor injury or bump, but leukaemia-related bruising can be distinctive.
These bruises may show up in “unexpected places” or seem more severe than typical bruises. Simon added: “These bruises are different to the types which we all get from time to time as they can appear in unusual or unexpected locations, such as on the hands for adults.”
“A person with leukaemia may get more bruises than someone is likely to get through everyday life and without any real explanation for them, such as a recent bang or knock. Or a deep bruise may appear following a minor incident when previously it may only have been slight.”
“These bruises can also take longer to heal than would usually be expected.” Heavy bleeding might also accompany these symptoms, he noted.
Simon remarked: “This type of bruising could come alongside unusual bleeding, such as nose bleeds or heavy periods. Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer, so it makes sense that it could cause such symptoms, as bruising is bleeding happening underneath the skin.”
He further elaborated on how the disease operates. “Leukaemia usually originates in the bone marrow and it is caused by the production of abnormal white blood cells, which cannot perform their usual function of fighting infection,” he added.
“They stop the bone marrow from producing healthy red blood cells and platelets which allow the body to function normally.”
According to Simon, other symptoms of leukaemia can include:.
Blood Cancer UK also cautions that the disease can lead to unexplained weight loss and swollen lymph nodes (glands in your neck, armpit and groin).
If you experience any symptoms you should consult your GP.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
