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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Blood Test Showed An Elevated White Cell Count, I Thought Some Of The Cells Were Squashed? Does That Make Sense?

I am scheduled to see a specialist on Monday. The doctor who did my lower gi called today and said the blood test showed an elevated white cell count and I thought he said some of the cells were squashed? Does that make sense? He contacted the specialist and set up the appointment. I think if I heard him correctly is that I may very well have leukemia and they need to find out if it is accute or cll. I am a bit worried.
Wed, 12 Jun 2013
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

It is important to know your age.
However, based on the findings mentioned by you- elevated white blood cells and squashed cells, a diagnosis of chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is most likely.
CLL is a leukemia of elderly.
It is characterized by increased proliferation of mature lymphocytes or to put it in simple words, it is uncontrollable growth of mature lymphoid cells.
Some of the cells rupture during preparation of peripheral smears.
These cells are called 'squash' or 'smudge' cells.
Increased proliferation of leukemia cells in bone marrow can replace the normal elements in the bone marrow causing anemia and thrombocytopenia (reduced platelets).
CLL has slow progression and very effective treatment options are available.
The next step in the confirmation of CLL is monoclonal studies.
You need to consult your hematologist for next set of tests and chemotherapy.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

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Blood Test Showed An Elevated White Cell Count, I Thought Some Of The Cells Were Squashed? Does That Make Sense?

Hello and welcome to HCM, It is important to know your age. However, based on the findings mentioned by you- elevated white blood cells and squashed cells, a diagnosis of chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is most likely. CLL is a leukemia of elderly. It is characterized by increased proliferation of mature lymphocytes or to put it in simple words, it is uncontrollable growth of mature lymphoid cells. Some of the cells rupture during preparation of peripheral smears. These cells are called squash or smudge cells. Increased proliferation of leukemia cells in bone marrow can replace the normal elements in the bone marrow causing anemia and thrombocytopenia (reduced platelets). CLL has slow progression and very effective treatment options are available. The next step in the confirmation of CLL is monoclonal studies. You need to consult your hematologist for next set of tests and chemotherapy. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal