Unusual bleeding
Similar to bruising, unusual bleeding from the nose or in the gums, intestines, head, or lungs may be a sign of clotting factors and platelets that may indicate the development of acute leukemia. Most women with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may also experience bleeding from the vagina and heavy menstrual bleeding due to deficiency of clotting factors.
Petechiae are the small red spots that develop under the skin due to the deficiency of clotting factors. Most patients often describe petechiae as: “like someone painted small red dots with a pen.” The spots you may not notice due to their size, painlessness, and placement in the lower extremities also indicate a low number of platelets. Petechiae are typically found around the ankle because gravity results in the accumulation of blood and other body fluids in the lower legs.
According to statistics, petechiae and bruise formation occur in more than 10% of people with both acute and chronic leukemia. Although certain viral and bacterial infections can cause them, you should always consult your doctor to rule out the underlying cause.