Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I recently was referred to an oncologist/hematologist after having two rounds of blood tests, both showing a high white cell count (as well as a few other abnormalities). I saw the oncologist/hematologist who ran additional tests. I see a multitude of abnormalities; however, she told me I am just iron deficient. I am currently on Ventolin asthma inhaler, vitamin D, and a daily iron tablet.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Following is my opinion about your question.
Your two rounds of CBC (attachment removed to protect patient identity) show a high total WBC (white blood cell) count and high neutrophils. Immature granulocytes are elevated slightly. The inflammation, infection, excess stress, etc., as likely causes, might be responsible for that.
In the second CBC (complete blood count), the count decreased, and neutrophils also reduced in number. Hence, it does not look like leukemia or blood cancer. Immature granulocytes can be increased slightly in any inflammation. Your count and differential count are not at the level suggestive of leukemia. So it does not seem to be blood cancer, in my opinion.
Kindly repeat the CBC with peripheral smear examination after a few days. The value will fall within range after a few days.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Is it a concern that my cell counts have remained abnormal for over six weeks? If it is inflammation, for example, what should we be doing to identify the cause?
Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Following is my further opinion about your asked question.
It is a matter of concern, and you should remain alert about that, but there is no need to worry about blood cancer. Your count in six weeks has been decreased. So I suggest that blood cancer seems very unlikely. Sometimes infection count can remain high for six to eight weeks.
Your physical examination should be done, and if needed, an investigation can be planned accordingly. If you have any symptoms, then mention it to guide you further. If there are no symptoms, then you might need not worry. Your platelet count could be high due to inflammation, as it can cause the release of IL-6 (interleukin-6), and so platelet counts can be high secondarily.
I hope this helps.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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