Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment For Elevated Esr And Wbc Count In Blood
i am 49 yr old male with a good medical histroryl.i developed sore throat when on holiday two weeks ago with persistent fever and swollen lymph nodes the fever is on and off and reaches 39C but has been 37.00 for the past 24 hrs. the doctor suggested blood tests which showed normal levels but high ESR 100 and WBC 12000. he suggested to consult an oncologist if it stays high. should i worry
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
Hello and welcome to HCM,
High white blood cell (WBC) count is due to infection.
Infections cause an increase in WBC counts.
A differential count is required to know the type of infection -bacterial or viral.
A high ESR is not specific for any disease but it is elevated in chronic inflammations.
Fever with enlarged lymph nodes and elevated ESR is an indication for conducting investigations for a malignant lesion e.g. lymphoma.
Thus, consult your physician for aspiration cytology from the lymph node.
Aspiration will detect the cells in the enlarged lymph node and thus, help to determine the cause of lymph node enlargement.
Definite treatment will be started once diagnosis is confirmed.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
High white blood cell (WBC) count is due to infection.
Infections cause an increase in WBC counts.
A differential count is required to know the type of infection -bacterial or viral.
A high ESR is not specific for any disease but it is elevated in chronic inflammations.
Fever with enlarged lymph nodes and elevated ESR is an indication for conducting investigations for a malignant lesion e.g. lymphoma.
Thus, consult your physician for aspiration cytology from the lymph node.
Aspiration will detect the cells in the enlarged lymph node and thus, help to determine the cause of lymph node enlargement.
Definite treatment will be started once diagnosis is confirmed.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
I find this answer helpful
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Lymphadenopathy
Loading Online Doctors....