Health & Medical Lung Health

What is an Ecchymosis?

Updated January 24, 2015.

Definition: Ecchymosis


An ecchymosis is a large reddish-blue patch on the skin caused by the rupture of small blood vessels beneath the skin.

There are many things that can cause an ecchymosis. With lung cancer it may be a sign of a low platelet level (thrombocytopenia) during chemotherapy.

 

Pronunciation: e-ki-moh-sis

Also Known As: bruise, contusion

Examples: John developed several ecchymoses on his legs when his platelet count dropped after chemotherapy.

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