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What Causes Variating Absolute Lymphocytes Value?

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Posted on Tue, 23 Dec 2014
Question: Hello. I went for my standard physical in XXXXXXX had bloodwork done. My Lymphs (absolute) came back at 3.4. I went back this week for another blood test because I was concerned and it came back at 3.8. I honestly have no idea what this means. Is this something to be concerned about?
Family History of Cancer:
Mother passed away from Pancreatic Cancer but also had chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Maternal Aunt 1 - Ovarian Cancer
Maternal aunt 2- Lung and liver cancer

doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

I completely understand that you are concerned about the findings on your complete blood count. At this time however, I see no reason to be worried that you're dealing with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Your lymphocyte count is borderline elevated. This might just be a fluctuation.

The best way to follow up on this is to have another blood count done in about six months. If there is a trend in a higher direction your doctor might consider requesting some additional studies.generally the absolute lymphocyte count in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is greater than 5000. Yours is well below that at this time. if you absolutely must have some additional information right away then you might ask your doctor to request a flow cytometry study which might help further characterize the reason why your lymphocyte count is slightly elevated.


I also understand your family history and why this contributes to your concern. At this time however I would not perform or request any additional studies.

Thanks again for sending your question.

Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (3 minutes later)
Thank you for your quick reply but I did have two sets of blood work done (I attached both copies). The first was in XXXXXXX and then I went 6 months later which was this week. Did you happen to see both reports?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
thanks again. I did see both reports.

I agree the lymphocyte count is slightly elevated. It is possible that this might represent monoclonal B cell Lymphocytosis. This can be a precursor to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Again I think it is too early to tell exactly if there is a primary hematological disorder. Nonetheless it does not necessarily indicate any type of emergency.

I would still wait A number of months before checking a blood count again.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Causes Variating Absolute Lymphocytes Value?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. I completely understand that you are concerned about the findings on your complete blood count. At this time however, I see no reason to be worried that you're dealing with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Your lymphocyte count is borderline elevated. This might just be a fluctuation. The best way to follow up on this is to have another blood count done in about six months. If there is a trend in a higher direction your doctor might consider requesting some additional studies.generally the absolute lymphocyte count in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is greater than 5000. Yours is well below that at this time. if you absolutely must have some additional information right away then you might ask your doctor to request a flow cytometry study which might help further characterize the reason why your lymphocyte count is slightly elevated. I also understand your family history and why this contributes to your concern. At this time however I would not perform or request any additional studies. Thanks again for sending your question. Dr. Galamaga