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Which signs can suggest that a person has a blood disease?
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blood disease
Peripheral blood smear revealing histopathologic features indicative of a blast crisis in a case of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Blast crisis occurs when one-fifth to one-third of the cells in the blood or bone marrow are immature blood cells, or blast cells. This phase of CML is characterized by fever, weakness, and an enlarged spleen.
Physical examinations are essential for identifying potential blood diseases, which involve abnormalities in red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, or the organs where they are formed, such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen.1
Key clinical signs that may suggest a blood disorder include:1
- Skin and Color Changes: The presence of pallor (paleness) or an excess of color, as well as the appearance of small purple spots or larger bruises on the skin.1
- Organ and Tissue Enlargement: Noticeable enlargement of the spleen, liver, heart, or lymph nodes.1
- Other Physical Indicators: The presence of jaundice, a red tongue, or tenderness of the bones.1
Because blood circulates throughout the entire body, these physical signs are often investigated alongside laboratory analyses, such as blood cell counts, microscopic examination of blood films, or studies of coagulation processes, to confirm a diagnosis.1