Oncology Case Challenge: A Daily Beer Drinker With Bruises, Back Pain, and Bleeding

Arun Gupta, MD, DNB

July 28, 2022

Editor's Note:
The Case Challenge series includes difficult-to-diagnose conditions, some of which are not frequently encountered by most clinicians but are nonetheless important to accurately recognize. Test your diagnostic and treatment skills using the following patient scenario and corresponding questions. If you have a case that you would like to suggest for a future Case Challenge, please contact us.

Background

A 42-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of bleeding from her gums. For the past month, the patient has also experienced progressive weakness and occasional bruising over the buttocks, thighs, and shoulders without significant trauma. For the past year the patient has been intermittently using oral analgesics for low back pain.

She has no history of hematemesis, melena, hemoptysis, epistaxis, fever, or rash. The patient does not smoke or use illicit drugs; however she does consume 1-2 cans of beer daily. She denies using any regular medications, including oral contraceptives. She has no history of any gastrointestinal or genitourinary illnesses. She is unmarried, lives alone, and works as a clerk in an office.

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Cite this: Arun Gupta. Oncology Case Challenge: A Daily Beer Drinker With Bruises, Back Pain, and Bleeding - Medscape - Jul 28, 2022.

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