← Differential Diagnosis class notes
FROM MY PT SCHOOL NOTES · DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS · UNIT 4 · CHAPTER 12
Hematologic, immune and cancer concerns
When might bruising, unexplained pain or repeated infections signal something beyond a local impairment? Combine risk history and symptom trajectory, not isolated red flags.
Key screening concepts
- Unexplained bruising, bleeding, persistent fever, night sweats, weight loss, recurrent infection or unusual bone pain require context-sensitive screening.
- Cancer history, immunosuppression and anticoagulation can change the risk profile and the safety of some PT activities.
- No single nonspecific symptom proves cancer. Combine history, examination, trajectory and condition-specific referral criteria.
PT clinical connection
Suspicion of spinal cord compression, pathologic fracture, sepsis or active bleeding warrants urgent or emergency escalation.
High-yield distinction
Look at trajectories, not just a symptom checklist: Persistent fever, unintentional weight loss, unexplained bruising and enlarging masses require contextual medical assessment.
Original class sources: 5 Hematologic Disorders.pdf; 5 Immune System Disorders.pdf; 6 Cancer.pdf. Personal PT-school notes with separately indicated new references; not a diagnosis, medical clearance, emergency triage protocol or substitute for appropriate evaluation and referral pathways.
