Platelets
Platelets are small cells that are found in the blood that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. They are also known as thrombocytes. Platelets are made in large quantities by bone marrow, and are then released into the circulatory system. They usually survive between seven and ten days before either being destroyed by the liver or spleen, or being used to clot the blood.
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When a blood vessel is damaged through injury or another means, platelets rush to stick to the damaged area and form a clump. They bind together and release chemicals that make the blood vessels narrow, which reduce blood loss and attracts further platelets to make the clump bigger. The platelets also stimulate the production of a substance called fibrin, which binds them together to form a clot.
One of the most common abnormalities in the blood of cancer patients is an abnormal platelet count, meaning that platelets can number either too high or too low. This can be a side effect of the illness (especially in cancers of the blood, such as leukemia) or the result of chemotherapy treatment. A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia, and signs of the condition include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy periods, bruising and tiny blood spots or rashes on the skin. If platelet counts drop too low, a platelet transfusion may be necessary to stem the risk of serious bleeding. Medication to increase platelet production by the bone marrow may also be an option.
In individuals with mesothelioma, the thrombocytopenia experienced by patients is mostly the result of chemotherapy treatments. When platelet counts are too low to administer further chemotherapy, the patients may need to delay treatment or receive a lower dose than would otherwise be given, which may lessen the effectiveness of treatments. For this reasons, doctors pay close attention to platelet levels, and when necessary take appropriate action to prevent levels from dropping too low.