High White Blood cell Count..?

Question

Hello
I am worried.I went to the dr to be checked for diabities.which I dont have.But th dr said I need to see a hematologist..Said my white blood cell count went from Leuko= 16.20 on sept.3,2007 to Leuko= 18.20 on oct.4,2007....He says that is bad.And worst case scenerio is Lukemia..I will be honest.I am terrified.Is there and drs or Medical people that can help? Do i really need to worry about leukemia? Can something else be the problem? I hav also had 2 Bronchitis Infections around this time,and finished with Antibiotics.Plus have Asthma,and a Smoker....
Michele

Answer 1

I sent a detailed answer two days ago.
' Surprised you didn't get it.
Does NOT look anything like acute leukemia from the WBC differential you sent. Secondary WBC elevation would easily fit this scenario. The WBC is not dangerously high.
It may be lab error or a secondary elevation which means the WBC is high from something else going on : e.g. infection, stress, corticosteroids (cortisone excess), and other causes other than leukemia. If you have asthma, perhaps you have taken prednisone which can easily cause this.
Primary myeloproliferative disorders (bone marrow overproducing blood cells) are not common in a 32 year old - - but possible 'IF' it is a primary hematologic problem. If so, it is very early and treatable.
The key is to see the hematologist and see what he or she says. The blood counts need to be repeated at a reliable lab and the blood smear should be viewed by an experienced blood specialist. Other tests depend on these findings and of course the history and physical examination.

Answer 2

Leukemia is of course a major concern when you have a high white cell count. I had one that was extremely far above the limits of a normal WBC. I was in the hospital and they checked my blood levels all night and the next day. I kept going higher. I was fortunate, mine turned out to be a very severe case of bronchitis. This is a great possibility for you as you stated you had been ill.. A while blood cell count usually is a sign of an infection in your body. Even having basic allergy can bring it about. Don't fret about it. Be cautious, see your Dr. and get this settled. Don't let it go by ignoring it and putting it off. Good luck..

Answer 3

Yes,you need to have it checked by an oncologist.It can be related to cancer or any type of blood disease.i'm not trying to frighten you.I have a very rare blood disease myself.Mine is histiocytosis.It's like the first cousin of luekemia.Get it checked.Take care.