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Does Elevated WBC Count Indicate Leukemia?
Question: I was recently treated for C diff but my white blood cell count is still elevated. My pcp set up an appointment with a hematologist and when I google my symptoms, it points to leukemia. Should I be concerned or am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?
Brief Answer:
Leukemia is the last and least likely possibility here ma'am
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I do understand your cause for concern as your white blood cell count is still raised even after treatment of your C. Diff infection, but this could be due to any of the following conditions:
+Infection still subsiding : This should especially be considered if your WBC counts are lower than what they were initially, and they may take some more time to normalise
+Inflammation: The infection could have caused inflammation, which can also contribute to a raised WBC level
+Various immune disorders: If you have been diagnosed with any immune disorders, a raised WBC level is normal, if not then your doctor may conduct a few tests
+Leukemia: Is the last and least likely option on the list
Also, there are various other parameters that will indicate an abnormality for leukaemia to be considered. A visit to your hematologist will help sort this issue out I am sure, so please do not worry, I am sure there is a much simpler explanation for the raised WBC.
Could you also share your WBC levels with me, I hope they were checked at the beginning of your infection, and once again after the course of antibiotics for a comparison basis.
I hope I have clarified your doubts to a satisfying level. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Leukemia is the last and least likely possibility here ma'am
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I do understand your cause for concern as your white blood cell count is still raised even after treatment of your C. Diff infection, but this could be due to any of the following conditions:
+Infection still subsiding : This should especially be considered if your WBC counts are lower than what they were initially, and they may take some more time to normalise
+Inflammation: The infection could have caused inflammation, which can also contribute to a raised WBC level
+Various immune disorders: If you have been diagnosed with any immune disorders, a raised WBC level is normal, if not then your doctor may conduct a few tests
+Leukemia: Is the last and least likely option on the list
Also, there are various other parameters that will indicate an abnormality for leukaemia to be considered. A visit to your hematologist will help sort this issue out I am sure, so please do not worry, I am sure there is a much simpler explanation for the raised WBC.
Could you also share your WBC levels with me, I hope they were checked at the beginning of your infection, and once again after the course of antibiotics for a comparison basis.
I hope I have clarified your doubts to a satisfying level. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
This problem has been on-going for over a year. The first cbc showed a wbc of 16.4 and when i was complaining to my pcp about stomach trouble, he sent me to a GI where, after an endoscopy and a colonoscopy, c diff was found and treated. The GI DR wanted to do a follow up cbc to see if levels normalized. My last cbc showed my levels to be 13.2 Here are my symptoms still:
Stomach pain and bloating not just when i eat
Tenderness on left side of stomach
Loss of appetite- ive lost 12 pounds in a week without trying
CONSTANT headaches
Fatigue
Shortness of breath when exerting any kind of energy
At times, swollen ankles and feet
It is important to note that i have had multiple sclerosis for 20 years.
Stomach pain and bloating not just when i eat
Tenderness on left side of stomach
Loss of appetite- ive lost 12 pounds in a week without trying
CONSTANT headaches
Fatigue
Shortness of breath when exerting any kind of energy
At times, swollen ankles and feet
It is important to note that i have had multiple sclerosis for 20 years.
Brief Answer:
Symptoms do call for further investigations ma'am, hoping for the best
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Your current symptoms are a little questionable and so I would also be more comfortable if you would visit a hematologist, and go about general investigations like may be DNA markers, a bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, etc.
I am sure things will get better, and hoping this scare is something we can ward off soon enough ma'am. But I would also recommend a repeat CBC when you visit your hematologist to check on your WBC levels once again.
Please in the meantime, do not hesitate to write to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Symptoms do call for further investigations ma'am, hoping for the best
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Your current symptoms are a little questionable and so I would also be more comfortable if you would visit a hematologist, and go about general investigations like may be DNA markers, a bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, etc.
I am sure things will get better, and hoping this scare is something we can ward off soon enough ma'am. But I would also recommend a repeat CBC when you visit your hematologist to check on your WBC levels once again.
Please in the meantime, do not hesitate to write to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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