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What Causes Red Blood Cells To Be In Tear Drop Shape?
Question: Hi my name is XXXXXXX and I had a recent homeopathic appointment that included a blood smear. Many of my red blood cells were tear drop in shape (test was performed twice to be sure the shape of cells was not from the slide). I have researched the blood cell shape and found that it can be linked to some forms of cancer but also malnutrition. I am voting for the malnutrition. I am a young 40 year old female, high profile business owner--and super stressed. I don't eat much, I work a lot so I am guessing the tear drop shape of my blood cells comes from my lack of taking care of my nutrition; should I look more into the results or just figure this has more to do with not eating healthy? Thank you and Kindy, XXXXXXX
I am concerned by this result and kindly looking for a solution. Kindly and thank you! XXXXXXX
I am concerned by this result and kindly looking for a solution. Kindly and thank you! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
It can be seen in anemia or myelofibrosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
You have tear drop cells in your peripheral blood smear.
Most common cause is severe iron deficiency.
However it can also seen in myelofibrosis, cancer in bone marrow and few other cause.
So need your complete bllod count report and peripheral blood smear report.
If you don't have other abnormalities. Then it is most likely to be due to nutritional cause like iron deficiency.
You should check your serum iron and ferritin level once. If it is low then just take iron rich food and iron supplement tablets like ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate.
If you don't have iron deficiency then other cause should be investigated.
Please give me follow up with your iron, ferritin level and complete blood count report.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me.
I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic.
Wish you very good health.
It can be seen in anemia or myelofibrosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
You have tear drop cells in your peripheral blood smear.
Most common cause is severe iron deficiency.
However it can also seen in myelofibrosis, cancer in bone marrow and few other cause.
So need your complete bllod count report and peripheral blood smear report.
If you don't have other abnormalities. Then it is most likely to be due to nutritional cause like iron deficiency.
You should check your serum iron and ferritin level once. If it is low then just take iron rich food and iron supplement tablets like ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate.
If you don't have iron deficiency then other cause should be investigated.
Please give me follow up with your iron, ferritin level and complete blood count report.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me.
I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic.
Wish you very good health.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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