Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are The Possibilities Of Having Leukemia Due To High Wbc Count?

I have numerous auto immune conditions, ranging from hypothyroid, fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome to adrenal insufficiency and I am now being tested for the possibility of leukemia because of higher white cell counts that happened this past year. I would like to know if taking supplements will interfere with medications such as Synthroid, prednisone, florinef, plus pain killers and muscle relaxants .. I am interested in alpha lipoic supplements in particular. Thanks
Thu, 5 Mar 2015
Report Abuse
Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Leukemia is a malignancy of the hemopoietic system which concerns the formation of white blood cells. The auto immune system also is connected to the white blood cell generation. Leukemia is a condition in which there is uncontrolled proliferation of immature white blood cells and this causes a high WBC count. During infections there is always a slight increase in WBC counts. However if the increase is more than 3 to 4 times normal and the patient has symptoms like fatigue, tiredness and generalized weakness then a diagnosis of leukemia has to be ruled out. The first step towards work up of possible leukemia is doing a peripheral blood smear. This is a simple test and done using a few drops of blood spread over a glass slide and seen under the microscope by the pathologist. This will show blast cells which are immature forms of WBC and then further detailed investigations are required.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
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]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are The Possibilities Of Having Leukemia Due To High Wbc Count?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Leukemia is a malignancy of the hemopoietic system which concerns the formation of white blood cells. The auto immune system also is connected to the white blood cell generation. Leukemia is a condition in which there is uncontrolled proliferation of immature white blood cells and this causes a high WBC count. During infections there is always a slight increase in WBC counts. However if the increase is more than 3 to 4 times normal and the patient has symptoms like fatigue, tiredness and generalized weakness then a diagnosis of leukemia has to be ruled out. The first step towards work up of possible leukemia is doing a peripheral blood smear. This is a simple test and done using a few drops of blood spread over a glass slide and seen under the microscope by the pathologist. This will show blast cells which are immature forms of WBC and then further detailed investigations are required.