Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBlood Dyscrasia: Conflicting DefinitionsBlood ComponentsCausesTypesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Blood Dyscrasia: Conflicting Definitions
Blood Components
Causes
Types
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Historically defined as an imbalance of the four bodily fluids—blood, bile, lymph, and phlegm—blood dyscrasiais now considered a non-specific term that can refer to any blood-related disease. That said, it tends to be used when a diagnosis is uncertain or in certain situations.
Blood dyscrasias may affect blood components, bone marrow, lymph tissue, or blood vessels. They can be cancerous or benign, common or not, and they can range from mild to life-threatening.
This article discusses blood dyscrasias, their causes, types, and common symptoms. It also discusses what you can expect during diagnosis and treatment.
Andrew Brookes / Getty Images
Blood dyscrasias relate to conditions pertaining to:
The exact definition of the term can vary depending on the healthcare practitioner and situation, however—sometimes in conflicting ways.
The termblood dyscrasiamay be used:
Is Blood Blue?
Before looking at specific diagnoses, it’s helpful to look at the components of blood and lymph tissues. Blood is made up of both plasma (the liquid component) and cells.
How Long Does Blood Work Take?
Causes of Blood Dyscrasias
The causes of blood dyscrasias are not always known. When this is the case, healthcare providers often use the termidiopathic. This means the cause is uncertain or even totally unknown at the time.
Causes and risk factors can fall into several categories, which sometimes overlap.
Blood Dyscrasia Types and Classification
There are a number of different blood dyscrasia types. Some conditions affect only one type of blood cell. Commonly, these conditions will cause either an increase or decrease in this blood cell type
If all major types of blood cells are affected, the condition is called apancytopenia.
Red Blood Cell and Hemoglobin Disorders
Red blood cells may be abnormal in a number of different ways. When there are too few of them, it’s calledanemia. It is also possible to have too many red blood cells, cells with abnormal structure, or cells that contain abnormal hemoglobins.
Some red blood cell disorders include:
White Blood Cell Disorders
In white blood cell disorders, there may be too much or too little of all or one type of white blood cell. There could also be a normal number of abnormally functioning cells.
Some white blood cell disorders include:
Platelet Disorders
Platelets are an essential part of the clotting process, so there is some overlap with bleeding disorders and clotting disorders.
Thrombocytosis (thrombocythemia) is anelevated platelet count. It can be seen with some cancers and inflammatory conditions, such asessential thrombocythemia.
Overview of Platelet Disorders
Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders can be broken down into four major categories:
Clotting Disorders (Thrombosis)
Some types of blood dyscrasias cause the blood to clot too easily. Some of these conditions are hereditary, such as:
Others are related to conditions like:
Medications like estrogen can also cause this type of blood dyscrasia.
Bone Marrow Disorders
Diseases related to the bone marrow are another important cause of blood dyscrasias.
In some cases, the bone marrow is infiltrated with abnormal cells. This limits the production of normal blood cells and often leads to a deficiency of all blood cell types. It may be seen with:
Failure of the bone marrow can occur for other reasons, too, such as:
Red Blood Cells
Anemia can cause a number of symptoms, including:
When red blood cells are the wrong shape, such as in sickle cell anemia, they may get “stuck” in blood vessels in various tissues. This can cause cell death and pain that is often severe.
An increase of red blood cells can result in a red facial complexion and headaches.
White Blood Cells
When white blood cells levels are low, infections may develop. Symptoms are usually related to the site of infection, such as:
Platelets
Depending on the severity, a low level of platelets can also cause symptoms. These may include:
The symptoms of bleeding disorders overlap with platelet conditions. Specific symptoms often depend on the severity of the disease. If the condition is mild, you may notice increased bleeding after surgery or dental procedures. With more serious disorders you may have spontaneous bleedings.
Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Bruising in Children
Clotting Disorders
Risk factors forblood clotsinclude bed rest, recent surgery, cancer, travel, and more. Sometimes blood clots occur without these risk factors in someone who is otherwise healthy and has not been sedentary. When this happens, your healthcare provider will consider the possibility of a clotting disorder.
Bone Marrow Disorders and Malignancies
Bone marrow disorders may affect all types of blood cells. Symptoms of these conditions can be similar to those of blood cell disorders. Blood-related cancers may produce symptoms such as:
Other Symptoms
A wide range of symptoms may be seen with different blood dyscrasias. Many of these are not obvious. A few examples include:
Blood dyscrasias are often diagnosed with multiple steps. These depend on symptoms, family history, physical findings, and more. A blood dyscrasia is often suspected when a person sees a primary care provider.
A workup may be started with your healthcare provider, or you may be referred to a hematologist/oncologist. A hematologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis of blood dyscrasias, whether benign or cancerous.
During your medical exam, your healthcare provider will evaluate your lymph nodes and look for signs of blood dyscrasias like pale skin or bruising. After the initial exam, you may be referred for testing.
Tests to Evaluate Blood Dyscrasias
Supplemental Tests
Based on your CBC results, other tests may be recommended:
Evaluation of Bone Marrow
Abone marrow biopsyand aspiration can provide a lot of information about the health of the bone marrow. This test is essential in diagnosing some types of leukemia. When cancer is suspected, further tests such as biomarker testing will be done on the cells.
Coagulation Studies
Your history and physical exam may provide clues as to whether you have a platelet disorder or another type of bleeding disorder.
Tests to evaluate platelet function may include:
Coagulation studies may include a prothrombin time (and INR) and partial thromboplastin time. If a clotting factor abnormality is suspected, specific testing will be done.
What do Your PT, PTT, and INR Results Mean?
If your healthcare provider suspects your blood clots more easily than usual, you may be referred for tests such as:
The treatment of blood dycrasias depends on the cause. Sometimes it’s enough to just treat the underlying condition. Other times, a deficiency in blood cells or absence of clotting factors will need to be treated directly.
For severe anemia, a blood transfusion may be needed until the underlying cause can be addressed.If your platelet count is very low, platelet transfusions may be needed to stop or prevent bleeding.
If you have a very low white blood cell count, you may be prescribed a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells. Since the most important complications related to a low white count are infections, it’s also important to take steps to reduce infections.
Clotting disorders require treatments that help reduce the risk of clotting. Bleeding disorders require treatments that help the blood clot. Fresh frozen plasma and/or replacement of missing clotting factors are also often needed.
Summary
A blood dyscrasia is any condition that affects the blood, bone marrow, or lymph tissue. Blood dyscrasias can have many different causes, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
The term “blood dyscrasia” is sometimes used during diagnosis, before the cause of symptoms is known. Some potential causes can include different types of anemia, blood cancers, medication use, and platelet disorders.
Blood dyscrasias are usually diagnosed with a combination of medical history, exam, and tests. Treatment may involve treating the underlying cause or treating the condition directly.
A Word From Verywell
If your healthcare provider believes you have a blood dyscrasia, you may be feeling anxious and impatient. It can take time to diagnose a blood dyscrasia. The process is a little like putting together a large jigsaw puzzle without a reference photo.
Learning about your condition can not only help you feel more in control, it may even help you recall important symptoms that could otherwise be easily overlooked.
33 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thachil J, Bates I.Approach to the diagnosis and classification of blood cell disorders. In:Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. Elsevier; 2017:497-510. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6696-2.00023-0American Society of Hematology.Blood basics.MedlinePlus.Lymph system.Varon J.Hematologic disorders. In:Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer International Publishing; 2016:159-180. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-31605-5_7National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.Risinger M, Kalfa TA.Red cell membrane disorders: Structure meets function.Blood. 2020;136(11):1250-1261. doi:10.1182/blood.2019000946Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and other inherited hemoglobin disorders.Ducamp S, Fleming MD.The molecular genetics of sideroblastic anemia.Blood. 2019;133(1):59-69. doi:10.1182/blood-2018-08-815951Cacemiro MDC, Cominal JG, Berzoti-Coelho MG, et al.Differential cytokine network profile in polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7032. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63680-7National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma—patient version.American Cancer Society.What is chronic myeloid leukemia?National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms (including multiple myeloma) treatment (PDQ)—patient version.Chabot-Richards DS, George TI.Leukocytosis.Int J Lab Hematol.2014;36(3):279-88. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12212National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis.Lambert MP.Platelets in liver and renal disease.Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2016;2016(1):251-255. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.251National Library of Medicine: MedlinePLus.Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders: Types.Chapin JC, Hajjar KA.Fibrinolysis and the control of blood coagulation.Blood Rev. 2015;29(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2014.09.003National Cancer Institute.Angiogenesis inhibitors.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Blood clotting disorders: Types.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet disorders: Causes and risk factors.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Myelofibrosis.DeVos E, Jacobson L.Approach to adult patients with acute dyspnea.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016;34(1):129-149. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2015.08.008McGann KA, Long SS.Respiratory tract symptom complexes.Princ Pract Pediatr Infect Dis. 2018;164-172.e2. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00021-9Urology Care Foundation.What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults?National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bacterial gastroenteritis.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia?American Heart Association.Understand your risk for excessive blood clotting.National Cancer Institute.Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)—health professional version.Tremblay D, Schwartz M, Bakst R, et al.Modern management of splenomegaly in patients with myelofibrosis.Ann Hematol. 2020;99(7):1441-1451. doi:10.1007/s00277-020-04069-4Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330Couriel DR, Ricker H, Steinbach M, Lee CJ.Neurologic manifestations of blood dyscrasias.Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016;30(4):723-731. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2016.03.001
33 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thachil J, Bates I.Approach to the diagnosis and classification of blood cell disorders. In:Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. Elsevier; 2017:497-510. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6696-2.00023-0American Society of Hematology.Blood basics.MedlinePlus.Lymph system.Varon J.Hematologic disorders. In:Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer International Publishing; 2016:159-180. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-31605-5_7National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.Risinger M, Kalfa TA.Red cell membrane disorders: Structure meets function.Blood. 2020;136(11):1250-1261. doi:10.1182/blood.2019000946Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and other inherited hemoglobin disorders.Ducamp S, Fleming MD.The molecular genetics of sideroblastic anemia.Blood. 2019;133(1):59-69. doi:10.1182/blood-2018-08-815951Cacemiro MDC, Cominal JG, Berzoti-Coelho MG, et al.Differential cytokine network profile in polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7032. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63680-7National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma—patient version.American Cancer Society.What is chronic myeloid leukemia?National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms (including multiple myeloma) treatment (PDQ)—patient version.Chabot-Richards DS, George TI.Leukocytosis.Int J Lab Hematol.2014;36(3):279-88. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12212National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis.Lambert MP.Platelets in liver and renal disease.Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2016;2016(1):251-255. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.251National Library of Medicine: MedlinePLus.Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders: Types.Chapin JC, Hajjar KA.Fibrinolysis and the control of blood coagulation.Blood Rev. 2015;29(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2014.09.003National Cancer Institute.Angiogenesis inhibitors.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Blood clotting disorders: Types.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet disorders: Causes and risk factors.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Myelofibrosis.DeVos E, Jacobson L.Approach to adult patients with acute dyspnea.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016;34(1):129-149. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2015.08.008McGann KA, Long SS.Respiratory tract symptom complexes.Princ Pract Pediatr Infect Dis. 2018;164-172.e2. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00021-9Urology Care Foundation.What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults?National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bacterial gastroenteritis.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia?American Heart Association.Understand your risk for excessive blood clotting.National Cancer Institute.Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)—health professional version.Tremblay D, Schwartz M, Bakst R, et al.Modern management of splenomegaly in patients with myelofibrosis.Ann Hematol. 2020;99(7):1441-1451. doi:10.1007/s00277-020-04069-4Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330Couriel DR, Ricker H, Steinbach M, Lee CJ.Neurologic manifestations of blood dyscrasias.Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016;30(4):723-731. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2016.03.001
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Thachil J, Bates I.Approach to the diagnosis and classification of blood cell disorders. In:Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. Elsevier; 2017:497-510. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6696-2.00023-0American Society of Hematology.Blood basics.MedlinePlus.Lymph system.Varon J.Hematologic disorders. In:Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer International Publishing; 2016:159-180. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-31605-5_7National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.Risinger M, Kalfa TA.Red cell membrane disorders: Structure meets function.Blood. 2020;136(11):1250-1261. doi:10.1182/blood.2019000946Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and other inherited hemoglobin disorders.Ducamp S, Fleming MD.The molecular genetics of sideroblastic anemia.Blood. 2019;133(1):59-69. doi:10.1182/blood-2018-08-815951Cacemiro MDC, Cominal JG, Berzoti-Coelho MG, et al.Differential cytokine network profile in polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7032. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63680-7National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma—patient version.American Cancer Society.What is chronic myeloid leukemia?National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms (including multiple myeloma) treatment (PDQ)—patient version.Chabot-Richards DS, George TI.Leukocytosis.Int J Lab Hematol.2014;36(3):279-88. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12212National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis.Lambert MP.Platelets in liver and renal disease.Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2016;2016(1):251-255. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.251National Library of Medicine: MedlinePLus.Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders: Types.Chapin JC, Hajjar KA.Fibrinolysis and the control of blood coagulation.Blood Rev. 2015;29(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2014.09.003National Cancer Institute.Angiogenesis inhibitors.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Blood clotting disorders: Types.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet disorders: Causes and risk factors.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Myelofibrosis.DeVos E, Jacobson L.Approach to adult patients with acute dyspnea.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016;34(1):129-149. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2015.08.008McGann KA, Long SS.Respiratory tract symptom complexes.Princ Pract Pediatr Infect Dis. 2018;164-172.e2. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00021-9Urology Care Foundation.What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults?National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bacterial gastroenteritis.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia?American Heart Association.Understand your risk for excessive blood clotting.National Cancer Institute.Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)—health professional version.Tremblay D, Schwartz M, Bakst R, et al.Modern management of splenomegaly in patients with myelofibrosis.Ann Hematol. 2020;99(7):1441-1451. doi:10.1007/s00277-020-04069-4Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330Couriel DR, Ricker H, Steinbach M, Lee CJ.Neurologic manifestations of blood dyscrasias.Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016;30(4):723-731. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2016.03.001
Thachil J, Bates I.Approach to the diagnosis and classification of blood cell disorders. In:Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. Elsevier; 2017:497-510. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6696-2.00023-0
American Society of Hematology.Blood basics.
MedlinePlus.Lymph system.
Varon J.Hematologic disorders. In:Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer International Publishing; 2016:159-180. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-31605-5_7
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.
Risinger M, Kalfa TA.Red cell membrane disorders: Structure meets function.Blood. 2020;136(11):1250-1261. doi:10.1182/blood.2019000946
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and other inherited hemoglobin disorders.
Ducamp S, Fleming MD.The molecular genetics of sideroblastic anemia.Blood. 2019;133(1):59-69. doi:10.1182/blood-2018-08-815951
Cacemiro MDC, Cominal JG, Berzoti-Coelho MG, et al.Differential cytokine network profile in polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7032. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63680-7
National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma—patient version.
American Cancer Society.What is chronic myeloid leukemia?
National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms (including multiple myeloma) treatment (PDQ)—patient version.
Chabot-Richards DS, George TI.Leukocytosis.Int J Lab Hematol.2014;36(3):279-88. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12212
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis.
Lambert MP.Platelets in liver and renal disease.Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2016;2016(1):251-255. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.251
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePLus.Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders: Types.
Chapin JC, Hajjar KA.Fibrinolysis and the control of blood coagulation.Blood Rev. 2015;29(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2014.09.003
National Cancer Institute.Angiogenesis inhibitors.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Blood clotting disorders: Types.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet disorders: Causes and risk factors.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Myelofibrosis.
DeVos E, Jacobson L.Approach to adult patients with acute dyspnea.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016;34(1):129-149. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2015.08.008
McGann KA, Long SS.Respiratory tract symptom complexes.Princ Pract Pediatr Infect Dis. 2018;164-172.e2. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00021-9
Urology Care Foundation.What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults?
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia?
American Heart Association.Understand your risk for excessive blood clotting.
National Cancer Institute.Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)—health professional version.
Tremblay D, Schwartz M, Bakst R, et al.Modern management of splenomegaly in patients with myelofibrosis.Ann Hematol. 2020;99(7):1441-1451. doi:10.1007/s00277-020-04069-4
Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330
Couriel DR, Ricker H, Steinbach M, Lee CJ.Neurologic manifestations of blood dyscrasias.Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016;30(4):723-731. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2016.03.001
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