Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Question: I had an annual blood test on 10/28/14 my family Dr. had concerns regarding the results which showed the following WBC 11.7 PLT 121 Lymphs 69 and Segs 21 RBC 4.7 Told me to see an oncologist. The oncologist ordered anther blood test on 12/2/14 with the following WBC 15 PLT 144 Lymphs 65 Segs27 and RBC 4.8 He diagnoised me with CLL. He told me not to be concerned. Follow up blood test on 2/18/15 revealed WBC 12.8 PLT 141 Lymphs 72 Segs 26 RBC 4.6
My question is do you agree with my oncologist? I have another blood test scheduled in early April and an office visit to discuss the reults. I have read as much info as I can on Cll and there seems to be a wide range of prognosis offered.
My question is do you agree with my oncologist? I have another blood test scheduled in early April and an office visit to discuss the reults. I have read as much info as I can on Cll and there seems to be a wide range of prognosis offered.
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
Your laboratory testing is consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This is a disease which can behave sometimes in and indolent fashion. This means that it can often be watched for many many years before any type of treatment is indicated.
It is important to distinguish chronic lymphocytic leukemia from other lymphomas so usually we send blood for flow cytometry analysis and also we request a set of genetic test to rule out other lymphoma called mantle cell lymphoma.
I agree with observation right now but it would be reasonable for your doctor to request a cytogenetics study as well.
Thanks again for sending question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
Your laboratory testing is consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This is a disease which can behave sometimes in and indolent fashion. This means that it can often be watched for many many years before any type of treatment is indicated.
It is important to distinguish chronic lymphocytic leukemia from other lymphomas so usually we send blood for flow cytometry analysis and also we request a set of genetic test to rule out other lymphoma called mantle cell lymphoma.
I agree with observation right now but it would be reasonable for your doctor to request a cytogenetics study as well.
Thanks again for sending question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I don't disagree with his diagnosis . My follow up question is when the following counts become a concern before suffering symptoms. How high do the WBC counts go before symptoms ? How high the Lymphs go before symptoms? The same with platlet counts and Segs counts. Thank You
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the followup,
THe total WBC count and lymphocyte count can sometimes go very high before causing symptoms - the WBC count itself is not always associated with development of symptoms or indications for treatment. We will sometimes observe patients with WBC counts over 100,000 and as long as they remain stable otherwise with stable hemoglobin and platelet count then continued observation is indicated.
Segs refer to normal neutrophils which fight infections. I would not expect this count to change much over the course of continued followup.
IF the platelet count drops - generally we do not see symptoms such as bleeding or bruising unless the platelet count is below 10,000.
Thanks again for the query,
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the followup,
THe total WBC count and lymphocyte count can sometimes go very high before causing symptoms - the WBC count itself is not always associated with development of symptoms or indications for treatment. We will sometimes observe patients with WBC counts over 100,000 and as long as they remain stable otherwise with stable hemoglobin and platelet count then continued observation is indicated.
Segs refer to normal neutrophils which fight infections. I would not expect this count to change much over the course of continued followup.
IF the platelet count drops - generally we do not see symptoms such as bleeding or bruising unless the platelet count is below 10,000.
Thanks again for the query,
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
