Definition:
Petechiae are mall red spots on the skin caused by the breakage of small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin.
There are many causes of petechiae. With lung cancer, petechiae may be a sign of a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) due to chemotherapy.
Petechiae can be distinguished from other red spots on the skin, in that they stay red instead of turning white when they are pressed on.
Pronunciation: puh-te-key-uh
Examples:
John developed petechiae a week after his chemotherapy, so his oncologist ordered a complete blood count (CBC) to check on his platelet level.
