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Does Epstein-Barr Virus Cause Cancer?
Question: Hi there. My dr. just diagnosed me with ebstein barr virus. I'm not sure how long this takes to go away however I've had a painful spleen for 2 months now. my main concern is the ebv turning into cancer as i read that it does..how do I know if I am at risk for that...
Brief Answer:
Self limiting condition.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a self limiting condition. As such no treatment is required.
We only give symptomatic treatment.
Now your concern is very genuine. It is known to cause many cancers but they are not so common.
In fact we can't even predict the probability.
Only thing that you can do is to keep a watch on your blood counts that is complete blood count test.
Usually what we see is that once the blood counts settles and the all associated abnormalities get back to normal we consider that the person is absolutely fine.
Long term risk assessment and prediction of cancer can't be done.
Stop worrying for what that can't be predicted.
But developing cancer after such Acute EBV infection episode is rare.
I hope it helps
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Self limiting condition.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a self limiting condition. As such no treatment is required.
We only give symptomatic treatment.
Now your concern is very genuine. It is known to cause many cancers but they are not so common.
In fact we can't even predict the probability.
Only thing that you can do is to keep a watch on your blood counts that is complete blood count test.
Usually what we see is that once the blood counts settles and the all associated abnormalities get back to normal we consider that the person is absolutely fine.
Long term risk assessment and prediction of cancer can't be done.
Stop worrying for what that can't be predicted.
But developing cancer after such Acute EBV infection episode is rare.
I hope it helps
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
thanks. what does white blood cell have to do with cancer and what symptoms do I need to look out for when it comes to cancer caused by ebv. how likely am I to develop cancer from this and how long after does it usually happen? thanks for all the info:)
Brief Answer:
Can't be predicted
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
White blood cells (WBC) are usually reduced in case of EBV infection. But if there is associated bacterial infection then they can increase also.
As far as any cancer and WBC count is concerned, WBC counts get reduced chronically or are increased excessively.
As i have told you we can't predict that one would get cancer on not and even after how much time based on history of current or previous EBV infection.
I hope it helps.
Stay Healthy.
Can't be predicted
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
White blood cells (WBC) are usually reduced in case of EBV infection. But if there is associated bacterial infection then they can increase also.
As far as any cancer and WBC count is concerned, WBC counts get reduced chronically or are increased excessively.
As i have told you we can't predict that one would get cancer on not and even after how much time based on history of current or previous EBV infection.
I hope it helps.
Stay Healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Can EBV be cured
Brief Answer:
Self limiting infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
EBV is a self limiting infection. It can't be cured with medicines. Body fights with it and once virus complete it's life cycle you are free of it.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Self limiting infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
EBV is a self limiting infection. It can't be cured with medicines. Body fights with it and once virus complete it's life cycle you are free of it.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
well mine has been for months. what do you mean self limiting?
Brief Answer:
Antibody persists for long.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The test done for you is probably Antibody test, on basis of which you are saying that you have persistent EBV infection.
The antibodies once formed, disappear after many months. IgM Antibodies disappear after around 3 months, while the IgG Antibodies disappear after further long time.
Self limiting means, that the virus is not killed by any drugs, it completes it's life cycle and get destroyed on itself.
I hope it helps.
Stay Healthy.
Antibody persists for long.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The test done for you is probably Antibody test, on basis of which you are saying that you have persistent EBV infection.
The antibodies once formed, disappear after many months. IgM Antibodies disappear after around 3 months, while the IgG Antibodies disappear after further long time.
Self limiting means, that the virus is not killed by any drugs, it completes it's life cycle and get destroyed on itself.
I hope it helps.
Stay Healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
why do some people say they have it for years and years ?
Brief Answer:
It depends on body's immunity
Detailed Answer:
Most of the people say this based on the Antibody report as i have explained you. But yes, people can carry it for long. It all depends on your body's immunity.
I hope it helps.
Stay Healthy.
It depends on body's immunity
Detailed Answer:
Most of the people say this based on the Antibody report as i have explained you. But yes, people can carry it for long. It all depends on your body's immunity.
I hope it helps.
Stay Healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so I need to boost my immune system? and if so hoe
Brief Answer:
Share your reports with me.
Detailed Answer:
If your immune system is not good then you would carry the infection.
Share your EBV reports with me. I'll be able to help you better after seeing the reports.
Good Luck.
Share your reports with me.
Detailed Answer:
If your immune system is not good then you would carry the infection.
Share your EBV reports with me. I'll be able to help you better after seeing the reports.
Good Luck.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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